Deadline: September 15, 2025
Applications are open for the UNU AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025. The UNU Global AI Network is pleased to launch the AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition, an international science and technology innovation competition with the goals of empowering social innovation, advancing youth development, and addressing sustainable development challenges through artificial intelligence (AI).
Each year, the competition will focus on a major theme, with tracks dedicated to specific areas. The inaugural theme for 2025 is AI for the Environment: Ecological Environment and Green Transition Challenges, with tracks on:
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Environmental Protection and Conservation
- Clean Energy
- AI for Less Developed Countries
The competition will feature innovative solutions with high technology readiness levels (TRL), ready for commercialization in China.
Benefits
- A comprehensive growth-support package, including financial support, industry and investment matchmaking, and international promotion, will be provided to the winning teams. In addition to a monetary award, the winners will have the opportunity to pilot their solutions in China, fostering real-world applications of their technology.
- A special Macau Prize will recognize exceptional entries from Macau, reinforcing the region’s role in fostering social innovation and youth engagement in sustainable development.
Eligibility
- Companies, organizations, groups and individuals from all around the world may register. There are no restrictions based on background or nationality.
- The technology maturity of the participating projects must be above Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 2, meaning they have completed the laboratory stage, meet the conditions for on-the-ground validation in real-world scenarios, have the technology readiness level that is close to commercialization, and have a certain degree of innovation and market potential.
- For projects from an established enterprise, the company should have been founded less than 10 years.
- Applications and accompanying materials must be submitted in English, and the evaluation will also be conducted in English.
Application
The jury will consist of renowned academics, industry professionals, and institutional investors from global institutions.
For more information, visit AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition.
