The challenge aims to provide opportunities for youth to engage with global AI experts through workshops and mentorships, offering applied learning experience to develop practical and scalable AI solutions for social good. It organizes 10-day virtual bootcamps for shortlisted applicants, equipping them with skills, tools, and knowledge to strengthen their AI solutions.
It creates a platform for young innovators to showcase their work to a global audience, exchange ideas with peers worldwide, and gain invaluable exposure. The challenge offers awards, credits, and opportunities to scale the most promising solutions.
Participants have the opportunity to compete for significant monetary awards, including first prizes of ₹15 Lacs each for the top three solutions, second prizes of ₹10 Lacs each for the next three solutions, and two special recognition awards of ₹5 Lacs each.
In addition, participants gain global visibility by showcasing their innovations to leaders, policymakers, AI experts, industry leaders, and investors at the India – AI Impact Summit. The top 20 shortlisted applicants will receive fully sponsored travel and stay in New Delhi to present their solutions during the International Demo Day.
The most promising solutions may also be presented at the Impact Summit investor showcase. Participants benefit from structured mentorship throughout the challenge, including 10-day virtual bootcamps and engagement with certified AI coaches and experts. Additional rewards and giveaways, including compute credits, may also be provided.
Prize money will be disbursed to guardians for participants aged 13–17 and to team leaders for those aged 18–21, subject to applicable taxes and verification requirements. The YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge invites participation from all applicants in the age group 13 to 21 years old. Applicants may apply as individuals (1 member, 13 – 21 years old) or in teams (up to 2 members, 13 – 21 years old). All applicants must be 21 years or younger as on 20th February, 2026.
Applicants can submit working prototypes, proof of concepts, or deployable AI solutions that can be demonstrated and have large-scale impact. The challenge welcomes both new solutions refined through the program as well as existing solutions or prototypes already in development or deployment. Intellectual property rights of solutions will remain with the participants.
The challenge seeks innovative, scalable AI solutions that address critical needs across multiple sectors. Key focus areas include empowering communities through elderly care, youth wellbeing, nutrition, inclusive education, and support for students with disabilities; transforming core industries with sustainable agriculture, green manufacturing, efficient transportation, and waste-to-wealth initiatives; and building future-ready infrastructure for smart cities, clean energy, sustainable mobility, and improved public services. Additionally, a wild card theme encourages novel, cross-sector AI solutions with high deployment and scalability potential.
The challenge process includes three rounds. Round one, from October to November 2025, involves screening and evaluation of applications after a global call and orientation sessions. Round two, from November to December 2025, consists of 10-day virtual bootcamps, project enhancement, and mentorship for shortlisted applicants. Round three, in December 2025, features virtual interviews and solution presentations, with the top 20 finalists invited to the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026, where winners will be announced.
Submissions will be evaluated on the significance of the problem statement, diversity and inclusion, impact on society and human lives, requirement and innovative use of AI, level of complexity and responsible AI use, readiness of the solution, technology inclusion and usage, and uniqueness of the solution.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the designated online portal, with all fields completed and necessary documentation uploaded. Multiple proposals are allowed if each solution is unique, and team members must be from the same country. Participants must also submit a duly signed Participant Undertaking and Consent Form.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025.
For more information, visit AI Impact Summit.