2026 Competition

We invite students from European schools to participate in an international competition focused on creating photorealistic images using generative AI (GenAI) tools!

The goal of this year's edition is to merge technology and psychology – to design and create a digital image that depicts activities, scenes, or moments (real or imaginary) that positively affect mental health and a sense of inner peace.

Why this theme?

We live in a digital age where we are constantly connected, surrounded by screens and information. While technology brings many benefits, it can also be a source of stress. Mental health has become one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century, especially for children and young people.

With this competition, we want to shift the perspective: How can we use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology to visualize peace, happiness, and emotional stability? We want to demonstrate that AI can be a tool for empathy and positive change.

What are we looking for? (Inspiration for students)

The task is to create a photorealistic image (a scene that looks like a real photograph taken with a camera) depicting a moment, activity, or place that positively impacts mental health.

Here are some guidelines on what you can generate:

• Connection with Nature:
  A walk in the forest, a view of the sea, hiking, or a simple moment sitting in a park. Nature is the most powerful remedy for stress.

• Small Moments of Joy (Mindfulness):
  Reading a book by a window, listening to music, cuddling a pet, engaging in a hobby (painting, sports, dance). Scenes that celebrate the "here and now."

• Human Connection and Support:
  Talking with a friend, a hug, helping others, teamwork. Scenes showing that we are not alone and that communication matters.

• Digital Balance (Digital Detox):
  Scenes depicting a break from technology – e.g., a phone left on a table while people socialize, turning off screens for better sleep.

• Inner World (Metaphorical and Surreal Depictions):

Even though the image must be photorealistic (looking like a real photograph), it doesn't have to depict only the real world. This is the category for your imagination!

Metaphors: You can depict feelings through symbols – e.g., light breaking through heavy clouds as a symbol of hope, calm water after a storm as a symbol of relief, or a blooming tree in the middle of a desert as a symbol of resilience.

Surreal Scenes from Imagination: Here you can visualize scenes that cannot happen in reality, but that we can imagine. What does your "safe place" in dreams look like? Perhaps it is a floating island of peace, a library where books glow, or a bridge made of light connecting people.

Important Note:
The goal is to create an image that evokes a sense of peace, hope, or joy in the viewer. Please avoid dark depictions of suffering; focus on solutions, support, and positive emotions.

• Group 1: Students aged 5 to 8

• Group 2: Students aged 9 to 12

• Group 3: Students aged 13 to 16

1. One entry per student: Each student may submit a maximum of one entry.

2. Tools and Format:

• Images must be photorealistic (photography style, not drawings or illustrations).

• Images must be generated exclusively using GenAI tools (e.g., Bing Image Creator, CrAIyon, Canva Magic Studio...).

• Image format: JPG or PNG.

• Recommended resolution: minimum 1024x1024 pixels.

3. Age Limit and Tool Usage (IMPORTANT):

• For students in Groups 1 and 2 (under 13 years old), the generation of the image in the AI tool must be performed by a mentor or parent according to the student's instructions and ideas, in accordance with the Terms of Service of the selected tool. The student is the author of the idea and the prompt, while the adult is the technical executor. Students under the age of 13 may not use personal user accounts on generative AI tools, but log in and use them exclusively through the user account of a mentor or parent.

4. Content: Entries must not contain violence, inappropriate content, nor depict real faces of public figures. The focus must be on the positive aspects of mental health.

5. Submission Elements: For each entry, the following must be submitted:

• Title of the work (title_student_name_and_surname)

• The Image file

• The full text prompt used to generate the image (in English or native language)

• Name of the AI tool used

• Completed Parental Consent Form (upload via the submission form)

• Short student reflection (answers to questions in the submission form).

An expert jury (staff from Eugen Kvaternik Elementary School, the Tourist Board, and the Center for Children, Youth and Family) will evaluate the entries based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance to the Theme (30%): How successfully does the image convey a message about mental health and well-being?

2. Quality of Prompt (30%): Creativity and detail of the text command used to create the image.

3. Aesthetics and Technical Execution (20%): Photorealism, composition, and visual impression (absence of major AI glitches).

4. Critical Reflection (20%): Quality of answers to the questions in the submission form.

• Competition Opening: February 1, 2026

• Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Results Announcement: By May 15, 2026 (notification sent to mentors via email).

• Exhibition: Award-winning entries (top three places from all categories) will be printed and presented at a physical exhibition at the Tourist Board of Velika Gorica. All submitted entries will be part of a large virtual exhibition on the organizers' websites.

• Certificates: All participants and their mentors will receive digital certificates of participation.

• Prizes: Authors of the best entries will win gift packages from the Tourist Board of Velika Gorica and printed certificates of recognition (Gold, Silver, Bronze) sent to their school address via post.

Applications are submitted exclusively via the digital form: SUBMISSION FORM
Download the Parental Consent Form here: CONSENT FORM

Copyright: By applying for the competition, the school and parent/guardian give their consent to the organizers to publish student works on their websites, social networks, in the media and at exhibitions free of charge for the purpose of promoting the competition and the "AI VISIONS" initiative, with the obligatory mention of the name of the author and the school.

We keep personal data and submitted works until the end of the competition and the associated exhibitions and promotions, after which personal data is deleted or anonymized. The parent/guardian and the school accept the possibility that the work (picture) may be published after the end of the competition for educational and promotional purposes, unless deletion is specifically requested.

For any additional questions, please contact: dalia.kager@skole.hr

We look forward to your AI visions!