Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition. 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 innovation1, 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.
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.
Competition Tracks
2025 Theme: Ecological Environment and Green Transition Challenges
1. Climate Change Adaptation
- Focus: using AI to predict climate change impacts and enhance resilience of societies and ecosystems.
2. Environmental Protection and Conservation
- Focus: using AI to enhance monitoring, resource management, protection, conservation, and mitigation strategies for the environment.
3. Clean Energy
- Focus: using AI to enhance renewable energy efficiency and accelerate the low-carbon transition of energy systems.
4. AI for Less Developed Countries
- Focus: using AI to develop affordable and accessible technology to support climate adaptation and green transition in less developed countries.
Requirements
- 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.
- There are no registration, training, or any other fees for participation in the competition.
Timeline
The Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025 will be held in three stages: the initial round, the semi-final round, and the final round. The initial schedule is as follows:
- Official Launch Ceremony: July 27, 2025 at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, click to apply.
- Initial Round: August 15, 2025 – September 15, 2025 (Online)
- Semi-Final Round: September 15, 2025 – September 30, 2025 (Online)
- Final Round and Award Ceremony: October 23-25, 2025, the final competition will take place, followed by the award ceremony in Macau.
- Cash award to each category-winning team: 1000 USD per team (before tax).
- The winning teams will have the opportunity to pilot their project in China from November 2025 to October 2026.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition
