Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025 ($1,000 Prize)

AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition, is 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: 

1. Climate Change Adaptation
2. Environmental Protection and Conservation
3. Clean Energy
4. 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.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Companies, organizations, groups and individuals from all around the world may register. There are no restrictions based on background or nationality.
2. 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.
3. For projects from an established enterprise, the company should have been founded less than 10 years.
4. Applications and accompanying materials must be submitted in English, and the evaluation will also be conducted in English.
5. There are no registration, training, or any other fees for participation in the competition.

Timeline for Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition

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:

1. Official Launch Ceremony: July 27, 2025 at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, click to apply.
2. Initial Round: August 15, 2025 – September 15, 2025 (Online)
3. Semi-Final Round: September 15, 2025 – September 30, 2025 (Online)
4. Final Round and Award Ceremony: October 23-25, 2025, the final competition will take place, followed by the award ceremony in Macau.
5. Cash award to each category-winning team: 1000 USD per team (before tax).
6. The Winning teams will be able to pilot their projects in China beginning from November 2025 to October 2026.

How To Apply: Visit Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition

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