The International Chemistry Olympiads are a competition for young students aged less than 20 and still in general school (i.e. not inscribed in a university or a technical college).

The Olympiads are held every summer in another city. Every participating nation sends its 4 best students. The tests comprise a theoretical exam as well as practical experiments. At the end of the competition, the competitors with the best grades are offered gold, silver and bronze medails, like in the "real" Olympic games.

The International Chemistry Olympiad IChO was installed in 1968 and a Swiss team has participated regularly since 1987.