Deadline: April 1, 2027
Applications are open for the ITU Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026. The ITU launched the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge in April 2024 to promote AI and robotics education among youth worldwide and to help ensure that no one is left behind in the robotics and AI revolution. It is inspired each year by a global challenge in which robots are developed to deliver innovative and practical solutions to real-world problems.
As an educational, platform-agnostic robotics championship, it gives participants full freedom to design, build, and program their robots without relying on a mandatory kit, while also allowing them to source hardware locally. In doing so, it aims to democratize access to robotics and AI education, help bridge the digital skills gap, and promote sustainable practices through the use of recycled materials, the reuse of robots across seasons, and the development of environmentally efficient robotic solutions.
The Challenge
Participants design, build, and program a robot to complete a mission based on a selected global challenge. While learning AI and robotics, students gain more than just technical skills; they also develop essential workplace and future-ready competencies such as teamwork, problem-solving, project management, critical thinking, and information literacy.
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge features two age-based teams: Junior (born 2016-2012) and Senior (born 2011-2008). This division ensures age-appropriate challenges, fostering engagement and learning for all participants.
Benefits
- Grand Finale Ticket: Represent your country at the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge Grand Finale 2026.
- Complimentary Discovery Passes to the AI for Good Global Summit: Participate at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, with a complimentary daily lunch pack during the Geneva Finale, provided for each participating team member and mentor.
- Youth Zone Exhibition Space and Workshop Access: Showcase your project at a dedicated exhibition space at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026.
- Network with Global Leaders: Connect with UN representatives and key partners.
- Dedicated Blog Article: Gain recognition with an exclusive blog article highlighting the team journey and achievements.
- Media Exposure: Opportunity to gain awareness through global media coverage
Eligibility
- Open to innovative teams around the world;
- Teams can be made up of a maximum of eight members.
Application
Participants have the opportunity to take part in the Competition. The Competition can take place in person if there is a National Organizer in the participant’s country or region. In the absence of a physical event, participants can prepare for the Competition individually and submit their results in video format for the panel of judges to review by 1 April 2027 (2026-2027 edition).
Public and private organizations, including government institutions and ministries, are invited to submit their applications to organize an in-person Robotics for Good Youth Challenge – Local Chapter Event in their countries for the 2026-2027 edition, focused on health emergencies. Applications to organize an in-person Robotics for Good Youth Challenge closes on 01 September 2026.
Click here to apply to organise
For more information, visit ITU Robotics for Good Youth Challenge.
