ETO Western 2026
Where emerging technology meets people, projects, and possibility.
Join a two-day conference in the Netherlands where students, researchers, builders, educators, and organisations come together around Blockchain, AI, and Quantum Computing to showcase projects, exchange ideas, and discover what comes next.
Competition Track participants must first enter through the KBI Olympiads (I2OL). Shortlisted teams from I2OL will be invited to pitch in person at ETO Western 2026.
A platform, not just a contest
ETO Western is not just a competition, and it is not just a conference. It is a public platform where projects are presented, ideas are challenged, and students, judges, universities, companies, and partners meet in one shared space.
Some people join by progressing through the KBI Olympiads (I2OL) to compete and pitch. Others join to observe, judge, speak, exhibit, recruit, or build partnerships through the Community Track.
Three experiences across two days
Project Expo
Teams present posters, prototypes, and ideas in a live showcase format.
Pitch Stage
Shortlisted teams move into a more visible, higher-stakes presentation format.
Awards & Closing
The event ends with public recognition for standout work and a formal closing ceremony.
Find your track
Competition Track — Bring a Project
Join the Competition Track if you are part of a student team with original work to present in Blockchain & Trust Technologies (BCTT), Data Science & AI (DSAI), or Quantum Computing & Information Theory (QCIT).
To be considered for ETO Western, teams must first enter through the corresponding KBI Olympiad under I2OL:
- International Blockchain Olympiad 2026 (IBCOL 2026)
- International Data Science Olympiad 2026 (IDSOL 2026)
- International Quantum Computing Olympiad 2026 (IQCOL 2026)
Shortlisted teams from I2OL will be invited to present in person before a panel of leading academic, government, and industry experts at ETO Western 2026.
Best for:
- School teams
- University teams
- Cross-institution teams
- Interdisciplinary emerging-tech projects
Three domains. One competition.
Design and present a real-world blockchain application addressing a societal or commercial challenge. Strong projects should show technical soundness, innovation, feasibility, and clear communication.
Develop a data-driven research project or AI application that addresses a real-world problem. Strong projects should show analytical rigour, methodological clarity, and actionable insight.
Investigate a quantum computing algorithm, application, or conceptual framework. Strong projects should show understanding of quantum principles and explain their real-world or future relevance.
Fair comparison by level
ETO Western is designed for participants from school level through to postgraduate level, with separate streams to support fair comparison and relevant expectations.
| Stream | Who it is for | Team rule |
|---|---|---|
Schoolers Stream ISCED 1–3 |
Primary and secondary students | All members must be school-level participants |
Students Stream ISCED 4–8 |
Tertiary and postgraduate students | Majority must be tertiary-level participants; Schoolers may join as minority members |
Four shared criteria
Projects are assessed across four shared criteria, with expectations adjusted for Schoolers and Students streams.
Technical Rigour
Depth of research, methodological soundness, and technical correctness
Innovation
Originality, creativity, and novel application
Real-World Impact
Practical relevance and societal or commercial value
Presentation
Clarity, structure, confidence, and Q&A quality
The event uses three recognition layers: Expo judging, Final Pitch judging, and audience voting for People’s Choice.
Expo judging
All eligible teams receive evaluation during the Project Expo.
Final Pitch judging
Shortlisted teams advance to a higher-stakes presentation stage.
Audience voting
Attendees vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Recognition tiers
ETO Gold
ETO Silver
ETO Bronze
People’s Choice
Awards of Merit
Enter through I2OL by 30 August 2026
Competition Track teams must submit through the relevant KBI Olympiad first. For teams invited to ETO Western, pitch deck and posterboard materials are due by 20 September 2026.
Enter via I2OLJoin the Community
Join the Community Track if you are attending without submitting a judged project. This track is for people and organisations who want to attend, connect, explore opportunities, and contribute to the wider conversation around emerging technology.
Best for:
- Observers
- Speakers
- Sponsors
- Universities
- Companies
- Exhibitors
Many ways to participate
Observers
Attend open sessions, expo areas, public pitches, and panels without entering the competition
Speakers
Contribute ideas and insight to the event
Universities & companies
Recruit, exhibit, and connect with participants
Sponsors & partners
Support the event while gaining visibility and access to talent
Experience the conference
Observers are non-competing attendees interested in emerging technologies. They can attend open sessions, explore the expo, watch public pitches, and take part in the broader conference atmosphere, but they do not judge projects or participate in formal contestant Q&A.
More than a contest
The Community Track exists because ETO Western is designed as a gathering and platform, not only a contest. It gives organisations access to promising projects and people, and it gives the public a way to experience the event without having to compete.
Mark your calendar
30 August 2026
Competition Track qualifying submission via I2OL
Enter through the relevant KBI Olympiad
20 September 2026
Pitch deck and posterboard submission for invited ETO Western teams
Materials due after I2OL shortlisting
30 September 2026
Community Track registration deadline
Observers, judges, speakers, exhibitors, and partners
8–9 October 2026
ETO Western 2026 at InHolland
Netherlands
Common questions
Ready to be part of ETO Western?
Whether you are qualifying via I2OL to pitch a project or joining as an observer, ETO Western is built to connect people around emerging technology in a way that is public, cross-disciplinary, and real.