Tishk International University (TIU) proudly concluded the 11th National Innovation Competition in Engineering (NICE 2026) on 17 May 2026, marking another milestone in promoting innovation, creativity, and engineering excellence. Organized under the theme of National Innovation, the competition brought together an outstanding community of young innovators, academic supervisors, distinguished jury members, and representatives from universities across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The event was held in the presence of Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi Salih, Head of the Board of Trustees of Tishk International University, and Prof. Dr. Sultan T. Abu-Orabi, President of Tishk International University, alongside university Vice Presidents, Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, representatives of participating universities, and a large gathering of students and guests.

NICE 2026 once again established itself as one of the leading national platforms for engineering innovation, setting a new benchmark for academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and competitive spirit.

This year’s competition featured eight major engineering categories, providing participants with opportunities to present innovative and practical solutions:

• Computer Engineering (Hardware)
• Computer Engineering (Software)
• Architecture Engineering
• Interior Design
• Civil Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Aviation Engineering
• Petroleum and Mining Engineering

The competition witnessed remarkable growth and participation, reflecting the increasing role of engineering and applied sciences in addressing real-world challenges:

• 331 Total Registered Projects
• 266 Accepted Projects (80% Acceptance Rate)
• 65 Rejected Projects
• 609 Registered Student Participants
• 318 Academic Supervisors
• 139 Jury Members

NICE 2026 served as a national gathering point for institutions committed to innovation and academic advancement. Participating universities included:

• Tishk International University – 168 Projects
• Tishk International University – Sulaymaniyah – 76 Projects
• Salahaddin University – Erbil – 36 Projects
• Kurdistan Technical Institute – 16 Projects
• University of Kurdistan Hewler – 13 Projects
• University of Raparin – 9 Projects
• University of Duhok – 4 Projects
• University of Sulaimani – 3 Projects
• Erbil Polytechnic University – 2 Projects
• Koya University – 1 Project
• American University of Kurdistan – 1 Project
• Cihan University – Sulaymaniyah – 1 Project
• Catholic University – 1 Project

In recognition of exceptional performance and innovative thinking, three winning teams were selected from each of the eight categories, resulting in a total of 24 awarded projects.

To celebrate and encourage engineering excellence, the winners received valuable prizes:

• Lenovo Laptops for First Place Winners
• TECNO Tablets for Second Place Winners
• TECNO Smartphones for Third Place Winners

The organizing committee expressed its sincere appreciation to the 318 academic supervisors, 139 jury members, volunteers, and all contributors whose commitment ensured the success of this large-scale event.

Tishk International University congratulates all participating teams for their creativity, dedication, and determination. Their achievements demonstrate that the future of engineering is driven by innovative minds capable of creating meaningful change and sustainable solutions.

As part of Tishk International University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), NICE 2026 reflects the university’s vision of transforming theoretical knowledge into practical implementation, empowering students to convert academic ideas into real-world engineering applications that contribute to sustainable development, innovation, and societal advancement.

We look forward to welcoming even more inspiring innovations in the 12th edition of the National Innovation Competition in Engineering (NICE)