The AI for SDGs – Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2026 is an international science and technology innovation competition designed to empower young innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, organizations, and technology leaders to use artificial intelligence (AI) to address global challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Initiated by the UNU Global AI Network, the competition provides a global platform for participants to develop, showcase, and scale innovative AI solutions that create positive social impact.

The 2026 edition focuses on the theme:

“AI and Education: AI Transforming the Educational Paradigm and Enhancing AI Literacy”

This theme highlights one of the most important transformations of the modern era: the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping education systems, improving learning experiences, and preparing societies for an AI-driven future.

The competition explores two major areas:

1. How AI can transform education systems, teaching methods, and learning experiences.
2. How individuals and communities can develop AI literacy and the skills needed to responsibly use and shape AI technologies.

The competition will bring together innovators from around the world to create solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Competition Theme: AI and Education

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people learn, teach, work, and interact with technology. The 2026 competition encourages participants to explore how AI can create more accessible, inclusive, and effective education systems.

Participants are invited to develop solutions that address challenges in education through innovation, technology, and responsible AI implementation.

The competition focuses on two major dimensions:

1. AI Transforming Educational Paradigms

This track explores how AI can redesign traditional educational models and improve learning systems.

Participants can develop AI solutions in areas such as:

• Personalized learning platforms
• Intelligent tutoring systems
• Adaptive learning technologies
• AI-supported curriculum development
• AI-generated educational content
• Automated assessment and feedback systems
• Predictive analytics for identifying students who need support
• Educational administration and resource optimization
• Language learning and translation technologies
• Inclusive learning solutions for students with disabilities
• Teacher training and AI-assisted instruction

This track supports the advancement of:

SDG 4: Quality Education

2. AI for Social Innovation

This track focuses on using artificial intelligence to solve social challenges, promote equality, and create inclusive educational opportunities.

Projects may focus on:

• AI-powered platforms improving access to quality education
• Technologies reducing the digital divide
• AI solutions supporting lifelong learning
• Workforce reskilling and professional development platforms
• Community learning initiatives
• Digital citizenship and misinformation awareness tools
• AI solutions supporting gender equality in education
• Technologies promoting cultural diversity and inclusion
• Data-driven tools for education policy improvement

This track contributes to:

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

3. AI for Less Developed Countries (LDCs)

This track encourages the development of affordable and practical AI solutions designed for underserved communities and regions with limited resources.

Participants are encouraged to create technologies that improve education access and AI capacity in developing regions.

Possible solutions include:

• Low-cost AI learning tools
• Offline-capable AI education platforms
• Mobile-based educational technologies
• AI solutions for remote communities
• AI literacy programs for young people and educators
• Teacher training technologies
• Context-specific AI educational resources
• Voice-activated or SMS-based learning systems
• Local language preservation technologies
• Community-driven AI education initiatives

This track supports:

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Who Can Apply?

The AI for SDGs Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition welcomes participation from innovators worldwide.

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals
• Student innovators
• Youth groups
• Research teams
• Startups
• Companies
• Technology organizations
• Social innovation groups

There are no nationality restrictions. Applications are open globally regardless of nationality, background, race, ethnicity, or country of residence.

Participants from all continents are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Global Participation

The competition is open to participants worldwide.

There are no restrictions based on:

• Nationality
• Country
• Region
• Ethnic background
• Professional background

2. Technology Readiness Level Requirement

Submitted projects must have reached at least:

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above

This means projects should:

• Have moved beyond the laboratory stage
• Be tested or validated in real-world environments
• Demonstrate practical application potential
• Show innovation and market possibilities
• Be close to commercial implementation

Projects at advanced stages may include:

TRL 7

A system prototype demonstrated in an operational environment.

TRL 8

A completed system tested, qualified, and prepared for commercialization.

TRL 9

A fully proven system successfully operating in real-world missions or commercial deployment.

3. Enterprise Requirement

For projects that have already registered as companies:

• The company must have been established for fewer than 10 years.

4. Language Requirement

The official language of the competition is:

English

All applications, supporting documents, and evaluations will be conducted in English.

5. Participation Fees

The competition is completely free.

Participants are not required to pay:

• Registration fees
• Training fees
• Participation fees

Competition Timeline

The 2026 Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition will take place through three main stages:

Application Period

Open Application: Now – September 15, 2026

Participants must submit their applications before the deadline.

Initial Judge Round

September 16 – September 30, 2026

• Conducted mainly online
• Projects will be reviewed and evaluated by judges

Semi-Final Round

October 1 – October 15, 2026

• Conducted mainly online
• Selected teams will advance based on project quality, innovation, and impact potential

Global Final and Award Ceremony

November 26, 2026

Location:

Macau SAR, China

The final competition and award ceremony will be held offline in Macau.

Benefits for Finalists

Finalist teams will receive valuable support and opportunities, including:

• Complimentary hotel accommodation during the global final program in Macau
• Opportunity to showcase innovative AI solutions internationally
• Networking opportunities with global innovators, researchers, and organizations
• Exposure to AI and sustainable development communities
• Opportunity to apply for limited travel allowances

Selected finalist teams may receive travel support of up to:

$1,000 USD per team (before tax)

Understanding Social Innovation

Social innovation refers to the development and application of new ideas, technologies, methods, or approaches to solve important societal challenges.

Unlike traditional innovation focused only on commercial success, social innovation aims to create positive social impact.

It may involve:

• Education improvement
• Environmental sustainability
• Public policy solutions
• Social inclusion
• Community empowerment
• Cross-sector partnerships

Social innovation often involves collaboration between:

• Governments
• Businesses
• Research institutions
• Communities
• Non-profit organizations

The goal is to create sustainable solutions that improve society.

                 Read More About This Opportunity HERE

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare:

• A description of their AI innovation project
• Explanation of the problem being addressed
• Details of the AI technology used
• Evidence of innovation and impact
• Supporting project information

Applications must be submitted through the official competition application platform.

                                                              APPLY HERE

Contact Information

For additional information about the competition:

Email:

ai4sdgs@venturecup.cn

Why Participate in the AI for SDGs Competition?

The AI for SDGs Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition provides a unique opportunity for innovators to use artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges.

Participants can contribute to the future of education by developing solutions that improve accessibility, inclusion, learning outcomes, and digital skills worldwide.

With global recognition, international networking opportunities, and a platform to showcase impactful AI solutions, the competition supports the next generation of technology leaders committed to sustainable development.

Conclusion

The AI for SDGs – Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2026 represents a major opportunity for innovators, entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and organizations to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can transform education and create meaningful social impact.

Through its focus on AI-powered education solutions, AI literacy, and inclusive innovation, the competition encourages participants to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Eligible participants worldwide are encouraged to submit their innovative AI projects before September 15, 2026, and become part of a global movement using technology to build a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable future.

Discover more global Competitions on OFY HERE