COMPETITION INFORMATION

GUIDELINE

IMPORTANT DATES

IMPORTANT DATES

Abstract Submission Deadline

30 April 2026

Notification of Abstract Acceptance

08 May 2026

Registration and Payment Deadline for Accepted Participant

15 May 2026

Poster, Video, and Supporting Materials Submission Deadline

15 May 2026

Notification of Finalists

11-18 May 2026

INNOCARE
2026

19–20
June 2026

Abstract
Submission
Deadline

20 April
2026

Notification
of Abstract
Acceptance

08 May
2026

Registration
and Payment
Deadline
for Accepted
Participant

15 May
2026

Poster, Video,
& Supporting
Materials
Submission
Deadline

15 May
2026

Notification
of Finalists

11-18 May
2026

INNOCARE
2026

19–20
June 2026

CATEGORIES

& PARTICIPANTS FEE

PARTICIPATION

FEE

Professional / Academician

Category

RM 350

Postgraduate Student

Category

RM 300

Diploma / Undergraduate Student

Category

RM 250

School Student

Category

RM 200

CONDITIONS

Participation may be individual or in groups.

The product, innovation, or invention must be directly related to counselling practices, mental health interventions, or any of the designated clusters provided by the organizing committee.

Participants are allowed to submit more than one entry. However, a fee will be charged for each accepted entry.

The organizer reserves the right to reject or disqualify any application if falsified information, plagiarism, or unethical practices are detected.

All products/ innovations must be the original work of the participant (s) and must not have been previously commercialized or patented.

MEDIUM LANGUAGE

Bahasa Melayu or English

PRIZE

All participants will compete for the prestigious INNOCARE Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, as well as one Outstanding Award.

Each award recipient will receive:

One medal (Gold/ Silver/ Bronze) according to category

One certificate of achievement

Additional items may be requested by winners:

Extra certificate: RM10.00 each (minimum) – excludes postage charge

Extra medal: RM65.00 each (minimum)

Note:

Top finalists will be invited to Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris on 19-20 June 2026 to exhibit and present their product/ innovation in person. The names of the top finalists will be officially announced and communicated to participants after the judging process is complete.

JUDGE

Appointments will be made with various institutions and organizations, professionals, educators, and practitioners

Selection Criteria

Novelty and Inventiveness

Innovative and Creative in the Product

Potential Impact on the Counselling and Mental Health Field

Applicant's Demonstrated Interest in and/or Expertise on the Proposed Topic

Judging Process

Product innovations will be evaluated by experienced judges selected by organizers.

Each entry will be assessed by a panel of three (3) judges to ensure fairness and diverse perspectives.

The finalists must present and demonstrate their product/ innovation physically in front of the judging panel during the scheduled session.

Scoring criteria are based on originality/novelty and inventiveness, innovation and creativity, usefulness, added value in counselling/mental health, practicality, potential impact on the counselling/mental health field, and product presentation.

The jury's decision is final. Any appeals will not be entertained.

GUIDELINES

Abstract Submission

Each participant must first submit a 250-word abstract of the product/innovation.

Abstracts must be submitted in Bahasa Melayu or English via email to innocareupsi2026@gmail.com.

Only accepted abstracts will proceed to the next stage.

Poster Submission

Only participants with accepted abstracts are required to prepare and submit a digital poster of their product/innovation.

Poster format: 1024 (W) x 384 (H) in PDF (preferred) or high-resolution JPEG/PNG.

Poster content should include: Abstract, Objectives, Novelty and Inventiveness, Usefulness and Application, Commercial Potential, and Environmental Friendliness.

Video & Supporting Materials Submission

Only participants with accepted abstracts are required to submit a 2–3-minute prerecorded video demonstrating the product/innovation.

The video must be uploaded to YouTube as an unlisted link and shared with the organizers.

Participants may also submit additional supporting materials such as brochures, demo materials, photos, infographics, or financial/revenue potential documents in digital format.

Final Submission

After abstract acceptance, participants must submit the completed Entry Form, proof of payment, poster, video link, and any supporting materials before the stated final submission deadline.

Late submission may result in disqualification.

Each submission must include a completed Entry Form (Appendix 1) together with the proof of payment.