IYNA Ideathon 2025
Applications for the 2025 IYNA Ideathon are due December 15!
This is a team based competition! Registration Form
2025 IYNA Annual Ideathon Overview
The 2025 IYNA Annual Ideathon is a virtual competition for high school and undergraduate students passionate about neuroscience. This year’s theme, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, focuses on neurodegeneration. The event runs from January 11th to January 25th, with finalist teams advancing to a live event on March 16th.
The 2025 IYNA Annual Ideathon is a virtual competition for high school and undergraduate students passionate about neuroscience. This year’s theme, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, focuses on neurodegeneration. The event runs from January 11th to January 25th, with finalist teams advancing to a live event on March 16th.
Have questions about this year's 2025 IYNA-Alzheimer’s Association Ideathon? ❓💡
Join us to learn more about the structure of the Ideathon, timeline, competition benefits, and more.
The IYNA is hosting TWO Ideathon Information Sessions on 12/1 (Sunday) and 12/8 (Sunday). The webinars will both be held from 1PM-2PM EST on Zoom. 🗓️
Register here:
12/01: Register for the Information Session
12/08: Register for the Information Session
Join us to learn more about the structure of the Ideathon, timeline, competition benefits, and more.
The IYNA is hosting TWO Ideathon Information Sessions on 12/1 (Sunday) and 12/8 (Sunday). The webinars will both be held from 1PM-2PM EST on Zoom. 🗓️
Register here:
12/01: Register for the Information Session
12/08: Register for the Information Session
Competition Highlights
Participants will receive training sessions on neurodegeneration, engage with experts, and attend events focused on proposal refinement. Judging will emphasize scientific rigor, innovation, and presentation skills.
Key Dates and Events
| November 15 - December 15 | Applications open for team formation |
| January 4 | Competition prompt released |
| January 11 | Kick-off Meet & Greet |
| January 12 - 20 | Workshops and seminars |
| January 21 - 25 | Proposal submission and feedback sessions |
| March 16 | Live event and awards ceremony |
Eligibility and Team Structure
| Divisions | High School and Undergraduate |
| Team Size | 1–3 members |
| Language | All presentations in English; at least one fluent team member required for Q&A |
| Requirements | Active participation on all dates, reliable internet, and Zoom capability |
Resources and Communication
Platform: Google Classroom for updates, materials, and team assignments.
Support: Feedback sessions, mentorship, and expert guidance throughout.
Contact: Reach out at ideathon@youthneuro.org or on Discord in the #ideathon-questions channel.
Awards and Recognition
| 1st Place | $2,000 |
| 2nd Place | $1,500 |
| 3rd Place | $1,000 |
| Additional Awards | Special awards sponsored by partners |
Ideathon Sponsorship Information:
2024 Winners
CLINICAL SCIENCE
1st: Rutvi Vaja and Kakshil Vaja
2nd: Kairavi Unarkat, Malhar Sonawane, Medhansh Kapoor, Vatsal Ashish Batra
PUBLIC HEALTH
1st: Teng Qiao Yun (Evelyn), Sanchana Sarethsena
2nd: Chissta Katebzadeh, Katherine Jeon, Zhilun Yu
BASIC SCIENCE
1st: Andrew Mi, Steven Livingston, Yusuf Shabazz
2nd: Zaixin Jiang, Lara Hamze AnnieMarie Hoang
LARGEST POTENTIAL IMPACT
Sumuga Swaminathan, Sebastian Crespo, Kristin Tsai
2023 Winners
Andrew Mi, Yusuf Shabazz: If astrocytes are overloaded with tau protein, can they cause early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Annika Romeis: Is sleep what is needed for astrocytic glymphatic ßA clearance in Alzheimer Disease?
Kendall Bristol, Carson Bauer, Mycah Afra, Cooper Branch: Proposing a Device
Pristine Garay: Exploring the role of TAM receptors in Aß clearance: A study using primary astrocyte cultures derived from wild-type and TAM knockout mice
Victoria Stanislawska, Aleksandra Dubno: Use of EGCG packed extracellular vesicles for delivery of disease-modifying drugs across the blood brain barrier