Guidelines
General Submission Guidelines
All participating authors must strictly adhere to the following formatting and submission requirements:
Abstract Submission:
- Word Count: Abstracts should be between 150 to 200 words.
- Keywords: Include 3 to 5 keywords.
- Title Block Format: Below the title of the study, explicitly state the name of the author(s) and their institutional affiliation. You must underline the name of the specific paper presenter.
Full Paper Submission:
- Upon receipt of the notice of acceptance, authors must submit the full manuscript to qualify for Best Paper awards.
- Formatting: The paper must follow the IMRAD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion), be single-spaced, and use Arial font consistently across all parts of the document.
Innovation Pitch Categories
- Digital and Smart Technology Innovation
Coverage: Innovations primarily enabled by computing and digital technologies.
Includes: Software and mobile/web applications, AI and machine learning, data analytics, IoT, information systems, digital platforms, automation, smart systems, and other ICT-enabled solutions. - Engineering, Product and Emerging Technology Innovation
Coverage: Innovations involving physical products, engineered systems, prototypes, processes, and emerging technologies.
Includes: Devices, machines, electronics, equipment, materials, energy technologies, manufacturing solutions, engineering systems, product prototypes, and innovative technical processes. - Social, Environmental and Sustainable Innovation
Coverage: Innovations primarily designed to create social, community, economic, educational, cultural, or environmental impact.
Includes: Education, business and economic development, community and public-service solutions, environment and disaster resilience, sustainable livelihoods, traditional knowledge and local heritage, culture, and other solutions addressing societal needs.
The “THE BEST” Research Tracks
T – Traditional Knowledge and Local History
H – Humanities, Arts and Society
E – Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction
B – Business, Economics and Development
E – Engineering, Technology and Innovation
S – Science and Mathematics
T – Teacher Education and Pedagogy
(Note: Evaluators reserve the right to re-categorize your paper’s track based on their assessment. Only those who submit a full paper by October 10 will qualify for the “Best Paper” awards in their respective categories.)
General Presentation & Pitching Guidelines
Whether participating in the general paper presentations or the primary pitching competition, all proponents must adhere to the virtual engagement rules:
Paper Presentation Guidelines
- Slide Limit: A 10-slide presentation is expected for every presenter, featuring only the salient parts of the paper.
- Video Submissions: Students must prepare and submit a 10-minute pre-recorded video presentation of their slides.
- Live Defense: Proponents must be on board live during their scheduled time to defend their work.
- Panel Format: A unified 15-minute live Q&A session will take place after every batch of 5 presenters.
The Pitching Competition Format:
- Time Limit: Each qualified entry is strictly given seven (7) minutes for the pitch presentation, followed by five (5) minutes for the question-and-answer session.
- Slide Limit: A maximum of ten (10) substantive presentation slides is permitted, excluding the title and reference slides.
- Live Defense: Only the designated student presenter or student team members may respond during the question-and-answer period; advisers and mentors are not permitted to answer on behalf of the participants.
- Penalties: A penalty of one (1) point will be deducted for every thirty (30) seconds exceeding the allotted pitching time, up to a maximum deduction of five (5) points.
Important Dates
16 October 2026
Deadline of Abstract Submissions
23 October 2026
Deadline of Full Paper Submissions
30 October 2026
Submission of Pre-Recorded Presentations