Air Weizmann, an all-girls team from Ulpanat Orot at Bnei Akiva Schools in Toronto, won first place. Team Home Alone from King David High School in Vancouver also delivered an outstanding performance, securing third place on the podium. Both teams impressed judges with their safe design, strong teamwork, and technical expertise. 

In total, three Canadian teams advanced to the international final which was held virtually by the Weizmann Institute on May 12, where they competed against students from around the world. 

Previously run by the Davidson Institute for Science Education, the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute, the 2026 International Physics Tournament was led by the Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Centers in a pilot program.   

With the generous support of The Diamond Foundation, teams first competed in the Annual Physics Tournament semi-finals in Eastern and Western Canada, where Grade 11 and 12 students put their creativity, teamwork, and scientific knowledge of physics to the test. A total of 16 teams participated in the Canadian semi-finals, including 10 teams in Eastern Canada and six teams in Western Canada. 

Teams wowed judges with inventive locking mechanisms, technical precision, and strong problem-solving skills under pressure. Students were required not only to engineer complex systems, but also to defend their designs, explain the scientific principles behind them, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Leading up to and throughout the competitions, teachers, mentors, judges, volunteers, and families helped guide and encourage students. 

Notably, the Western Canada Physics Tournament was made possible by the generous support of The Diamond Foundation. Weizmann Canada is deeply grateful for the foundation’s leadership and commitment to inspiring the next generation of young scientists.