<p>The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is the world's most prestigious annual chemistry competition for secondary school students. Founded in 1968 in Czechoslovakia, it now brings together delegations from over 90 countries each year. The 58th edition, IChO 2026, is hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan — the first time Uzbekistan has hosted the Olympiad.</p><ul><li>Eligibility: secondary school students under 20 who are not yet enrolled at university; Singapore participants are selected through the Singapore Chemistry Olympiad (SChO)</li><li>Team structure: each country sends up to four students accompanied by mentors</li><li>Dates: 10–19 July 2026, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan</li><li>Format: a 5-hour theoretical exam and a 5-hour practical laboratory exam across two days</li><li>Scale: approximately 350 student competitors from 90+ countries</li><li>Recognition: individual Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals plus Honourable Mentions</li></ul><p>Students aiming to compete should first pursue the Singapore Chemistry Olympiad; IChO places are allocated from top performers in the national olympiad, not by direct individual application.</p>