Mumbai : Rosatom has announced the opening of applications for the international stage of its flagship scientific and educational initiative, “Icebreaker of Knowledge 2026”, offering Indian school students aged 14–16 a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in an Arctic expedition to the North Pole aboard the world’s largest nuclear icebreaker, 50 Let Pobedy, in August 2026.
The programme invites students from India and 22 other countries to compete through a multi-stage international selection process aimed at encouraging young minds to explore science, technology, innovation, and nuclear energy. India has already marked its presence in the initiative. In the previous edition, 15-year-old Aayush Goyal from Kolkata was selected from nearly 4,000 applicants worldwide to join the prestigious expedition.
Sharing his experience, Aayush said, “My journey so far has been a rollercoaster ride — mesmerizing, exciting, and filled with interesting people. As we board the ship, I feel like I’m literally on top of the world. I expect nothing less than a Pirates of the Caribbean experience and look forward to learning, participating in, and enjoying every single moment of it.”
Selected participants will spend 10 days exploring the Arctic aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker alongside leading scientists, science communicators, and digital creators. The expedition is designed to provide students with immersive exposure to Arctic research, advanced technologies, and global scientific collaboration.
The international selection process will be conducted in three stages:
- Students must first register on the official platform and complete a science-based quiz.
- Participants will then attend a series of webinars focused on Rosatom’s innovative technologies and solutions, including advancements supporting safe Arctic shipping and nuclear-powered infrastructure.
- Finalists will submit a video presentation showcasing their ideas and creativity through a video business card format.
Speaking about the initiative, Alexandra Yustus, Deputy Director General for Communications at RAIN Private Institution, said, “Children from 23 countries will embark on a fascinating and educational journey to the North Pole on a nuclear icebreaker. During 10 days, they will explore the Arctic on board the nuclear icebreaker with leading scientists, science communicators, and bloggers. This expedition is an opportunity not only to reach the highest point on Earth, but also to broaden horizons, make new friends, set records, and perhaps even see a polar bear.”
The Icebreaker of Knowledge project was launched with the support of Rosatom to promote interest in natural sciences, nuclear technology, and innovation among young students globally. Over the last six editions, more than 400 students from different countries have participated in Arctic expedition programmes under the initiative.
Russia remains the only country in the world operating a fleet of nuclear icebreakers through Rosatom’s subsidiary, Atomflot. The fleet currently includes eight nuclear-powered icebreakers supporting Arctic navigation and strategic maritime operations.
Rosatom and its affiliated organisations continue to place strong emphasis on educational, scientific, and cultural development through scholarship programmes, university collaborations, large-scale educational initiatives, internships, and career development opportunities for students worldwide.