Shashank Madala, a high school senior from New Jersey, proudly represented Team USA at the 2026 International Economics Olympiad held in Shenzhen, China, showcasing his skills in economics and finance.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – Shashank Madala, a rising senior at Robbinsville High School, had the honor of representing the United States at the 2026 International Economics Olympiad in Shenzhen, China. He was one of five students selected to compete for Team USA.
The 2026 competition attracted 52 national teams, engaging participants in various contests focused on economics, finance, and an International Business Case Competition. During this competition, students analyzed real-world business challenges, developed financial models, and presented their findings to judging panels under tight deadlines.
Madala expressed pride in being part of Team USA’s first in-person participation at the Olympiad. “Standing on that international stage while carrying both my New Jersey home and my Indian-American heritage remains one of the proudest moments of my life,” he stated.
In the International Business Case Competition, Team USA achieved a commendable sixth place, marking a strong debut for the team in its inaugural in-person appearance at the event.
Preparing for the Olympiad required Madala to dedicate months to studying microeconomics and macroeconomics. He also engaged in extensive practice solving past problems and honing his ability to analyze issues under pressure.
“The competition was never only about economics. It was about representing the values I grew up with: hard work, curiosity, and giving back. These are the values my family carried with them from India to New Jersey,” he remarked.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Madala is the founder of Lumin AI, a student-led nonprofit that provides artificial intelligence education to students across six countries. He also developed Kora, an AI application designed to assist caregivers in understanding the emotions and needs of children with autism.
“For me, economics and technology are two sides of the same question: how do we use limited resources to create the greatest good for the most people?” he explained.
Reflecting on his experience at the international competition, Madala emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for young people, particularly for first-generation and immigrant students.
“My hope is to help change that, especially for first-generation and immigrant students who may not yet see themselves on these stages,” he said.
He encouraged students to pursue ambitious goals, regardless of their backgrounds. “Your background is not a limitation. It is your advantage. Ask big questions, seek out opportunities, and never be afraid to represent where you come from,” Madala advised.
His journey and achievements serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the potential of young individuals to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. According to India West, Madala’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of representation in competitive fields.