Frequently Asked Questions
If something is not covered here, write to us. We read every message and update this page when a good question comes up more than once.
Eligibility
I'm 11 — can I still apply?
The Junior Division opens at 12. If you turn 12 before 1 September 2026, you are eligible for the 2026 season.
I'm 19 — can I still apply?
The Senior Division closes at 18. If you are 18 on 1 September 2026 and turn 19 during the season, you are still eligible.
Do I need to be in school?
No. Home-schooled students, gap-year students, and students between schools are welcome. Age is the only hard rule.
Does my school need to approve my entry?
No. We recommend telling your school and your teachers — they are often the best mentors you already know — but LBX does not require school endorsement.
Projects
Do I need to have an idea before I apply?
No. A rough interest is enough. The orientation programme and the first weeks with your mentor are designed to help you choose a question and refine it. Many strong projects start as "I'm interested in X but I don't know what to do about it."
Can I submit work I've already started?
Yes, as long as the project is still in progress and the substantial work of the season happens within the LBX season. We expect honesty about what you have already done and what you developed during LBX; mentors will help you draw the line.
Can I use AI tools in my project?
Yes, with disclosure. AI tools — code assistants, writing assistants, model APIs, image generators — are part of how research happens now. We ask that you say clearly what you used and how. Using a tool well is fine; passing off its output as your unaided work is not.
What if my experiment fails?
Submit the negative result. We weight honest failure above polished success that obscures what went wrong. The judging rubric explicitly rewards depth of exploration.
Mentors
Who are the mentors?
Postgraduate students and early-career professionals — working researchers, engineers, founders, and educators — who go through an LBX training programme before being matched with students. They volunteer their time and are not paid by the student.
Can I bring my own mentor?
Yes. If a teacher or family friend is already working with you, indicate this on the registration form. We will pair you with an LBX mentor as a secondary reviewer rather than a primary advisor.
How often do I meet my mentor?
Typically every two to three weeks for a 30–45 minute session, plus written feedback at the two checkpoints. Many mentor pairs talk more often, especially as showcase day approaches.
Judging
How are projects judged?
Against a published rubric covering originality of the question, quality of the build, depth of exploration, and communication. The competition page describes the criteria in more detail.
Are projects compared to each other or to a standard?
Both. Awards within a track and division are comparative — there is a Track Winner. But judges score against the rubric first, and a track may have no clear winner in a given year if the bar is not met.
Do I get feedback even if I don't win?
Yes. Every regional showcase participant receives written feedback from the judging panel within four weeks. The feedback is specific and addressed to the student, not to a file.
Cost, Travel & Logistics
How much does it cost?
USD 90 for an individual entrant; USD 150 for a team of two to four. Fee waivers are available and routinely granted.
Do I have to travel to my regional showcase?
Yes — the showcase is in person. Most participants travel only within their region. Travel and accommodation costs are the participant's responsibility; need-based travel grants are available on request.
What about the Global Final?
Finalists are invited to attend in the host city, which rotates each year. Travel grants are available; no finalist should miss the Global Final because of cost.
Will my project be made public?
Regional and Global finalists receive a public showcase page on the LBX site. Other participants may opt in or out of public listing. You retain copyright and other rights in your work; LBX takes only a non-exclusive licence to display and archive the showcase materials.