Deadline: January 8, 2026
Applications are open for the Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge 2026. The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge is a global call for innovative AI applications that empower people and communities, and that unlock economic opportunity for a resilient future.
With the launch of this challenge, data.org and Zoom are seeking out projects that drive AI workforce development and organizational capacity, develop pathways to create future friendly jobs leveraging data and AI, and build climate resilient communities for a green economy.
Benefits
- The Challenge will award at least five final winners with a combination of grant funding of $115,000 USD and in-kind support. Each final Award will be issued pursuant to the terms of a grant agreement between data.org and the relevant Awardee.
- In-kind support for Awardees may include, but is not limited to, data science talent, staff training, technical support and consulting, media production, marketing and promotional outreach, and software and infrastructure licenses.
Eligibility
- Open to any organization or group from anywhere in the world, except for those from Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine (Russian-occupied territories), and Yemen.
- They welcome applications from for-profit entities, non-profit entities, and government agencies. However, all Entries must have a charitable purpose, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Organizations are limited to submitting one Entry to the Challenge. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Challenge may consider multiple Entries from large organizations such as universities. Any such Entries must be distinct, without overlap in the scope of the proposals or the project teams.
Application
Submit your proposal by January 8, 2026 at 11:00pm UTC for consideration. Note: once your proposal is submitted, no changes can be made.
For more information, visit Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge.
