AI For SDGs - Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2026 Call For Applications

AI × Education: AI Transforming the Educational Paradigm and Enhancing AI Literacy

Calling young innovators worldwide! Applications are now open for the AI for SDGs – Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2026, taking place on 26 November 2026 in Macao SAR, China. Under the theme “AI × Education: Transforming Educational Paradigms and Enhancing AI Literacy,” the competition invites innovators to present practical AI solutions that make education more accessible, inclusive and effective.

AI × Education: AI Transforming the Educational Paradigm and Enhancing AI Literacy
Nov. 26, 2026 | Macau SAR, China.

The AI for SDGs - Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition is an international science and technology innovation competition initiated by the UNU Global AI Network. It aims to leverage artificial intelligence technology to address sustainable development challenges, while empowering social innovation and global youth development.

The 2026 theme—"AI and Education: AI Transforming the Educational Paradigm and Enhancing AI Literacy"—addresses a defining challenge of our time: how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of learning, teaching, and human development. This theme is approached through two complementary lenses:

AI Transforming Educational Paradigms: Exploring how AI can reshape existing educational models, pedagogies, and systems—ranging from personalized learning and intelligent tutoring to administrative automation and curriculum innovation.

Enhancing AI Literacy: Investigating how we can equip learners, educators, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks needed to understand, utilize, and shape AI technologies responsibly and effectively.

Competition Tracks

The 2026 theme explores the dual role of AI in education: how it can transform educational systems and practices, and how we can equip societies with the AI literacy needed to navigate an AI-driven future. The competition focuses on AI solutions that advance SDG 4 (Quality Education), while also contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Track categories include:

1. AI for Education

Leveraging AI to transform teaching, learning, and educational systems—making education more personalized, accessible, inclusive, and effective.

Key AI application scenarios:

Intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive learning platforms

AI-assisted curriculum design and content creation

Automated assessment and feedback systems

Predictive analytics for student success and early intervention

Educational administration and resource optimization

Language learning and translation technologies

Inclusive education technologies for learners with disabilities

Teacher professional development and AI-assisted instruction

SDG Reference: SDG 4

2. AI for Social Innovation

Using AI to address systemic social challenges, promote equity, and foster inclusive development through educational empowerment.

Key AI application scenarios:

AI-powered platforms for equitable access to quality education

Technologies for bridging the digital divide in education

AI for lifelong learning and workforce reskilling

Community-based learning and civic education technologies

AI tools for combating misinformation and promoting digital citizenship

Educational technologies for gender equality and social inclusion

AI for promoting cultural diversity and intercultural understanding

Data-driven policy tools for educational reform

SDG Reference: SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 10, SDG 16

3. AI for Less Developed Countries (LDCs)

Developing affordable, accessible, and context-appropriate AI solutions to strengthen education systems, build AI capacity, and bridge the digital divide in less developed countries and underserved communities.

Key AI application scenarios:

Low-cost, offline-capable AI learning tools for resource-constrained settings

Mobile-first educational technologies for remote and marginalized communities

AI literacy and capacity-building programs for educators and youth

Culturally relevant AI content and curriculum localization

AI for teacher training and professional development in underserved regions

Infrastructure-light AI solutions (e.g., SMS-based or voice-activated)

Community-driven AI education initiatives

AI for preserving and promoting local languages and knowledge

SDG Reference: SDG 4, SDG 9, SDG 10

Requirements

1. Global Eligibility: Registration is open to any company, group, or individual worldwide, regardless of nationality or background.

2. Technology Maturity: Participating projects must have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of TRL 6 or above. This means they must have progressed beyond the laboratory stage, meet the conditions for on-the-ground validation in real-world scenarios, possess close-to-commercial readiness, and demonstrate clear innovation and market potential.

3. Enterprise Age: For projects that have already incorporated as an enterprise, the company must have been established for less than 10 years.

4. Official Language: The official language for all applications, supporting materials, and assessments is English.
No Participation Fees: The competition does not charge any registration, training, or other participation fees.

Apply Now

Timeline

The 2026 Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition consists of three progressive stages: the Initial Round, the Semi-Final Round, and the Global Final. The proposed schedule is outlined below:

1. Open Application: Now to September 15th 2026

2. Judge Round: September 16 – September 30, 2026 (Mainly Online)

3. Semi-final Round: October 1 – October 15, 2026 (Mainly Online)

4. Final competition and Award Ceremony in Macau: November 26 2026 (Offline)

Finalist Benefits: Complimentary hotel accommodation will be provided during the global final program in Macao in November 2026. Finalist teams will also have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of travel allowances, valued at up to $1,000 USD per team (before tax).

Notes

Social Innovation: Refers to the application of novel methods, concepts, or technologies to address pressing social challenges and generate positive societal impact. This form of innovation extends beyond commercial or technological boundaries to encompass policymaking, education, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion, with the ultimate goal of improving social welfare and promoting equitable development. Social innovation frequently relies on cross-sector collaboration, bringing together governments, enterprises, research institutions, and local communities to co-create sustainable and inclusive societal solutions.

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 7–9):

TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment (validated in real-world scenarios).
TRL 8: Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration (ready for commercialization).
TRL 9: Actual system proven through successful mission operations and full-scale commercial deployment.

Contact us for more information at ai4sdgs@venturecup.cn

Guided by: United Nations University

Organizer: UNU Global AI Network

Co-organizer: UNU Macau, Venture Cup China

Outreach Partners: Members of UNU Global AI Network