NJ Chemistry Olympics

The premier high school chemistry competition in New Jersey has been inspiring the next generation of scientists for 38 years. Each May, about 300 students from across the state come to NJIT to compete in hands-on laboratory, research, and communication events, judged by scientists from the university, industry, and the American Chemical Society

Eight events across research, general, and laboratory categories-Chemical Research, Website Design, Chemical Nomenclature, Information Search, Forensic Chemistry, Instrumentation Laboratory, Microscale Laboratory, Debate

How Does NJCO Encourage Active Student Learning?
Real chemistry. Students design experiments, build and calibrate instruments, write laboratory procedures, and defend their results under questioning from judges.
Contact with working scientists. Scientists coordinate events, judge, and address 300 future chemists at the awards ceremony.
A recognized program. NJCO has received an ACS Salute to Excellence recognition and the 2022 ACS ChemLuminary Award.

2027 Theme: AI in Chemistry: Ensuring Trust and Accuracy
The focus is on using AI to solve chemical problems while keeping experimentation and critical thinking at the heart of each event.

Congratulations 2026 Overall Champions:
1^st Place-Hunterdon Central Regional HS A; 2^nd Place-Pascack Valley HS A; Glen Ridge HS A