Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge 2027: Funding and Support for Youth-Led AI Innovations
Overview
The Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge 2027 invites youth-led organisations, early-stage startups, and nonprofit initiatives to develop artificial intelligence solutions that address pressing sustainable development challenges. The programme aims to strengthen youth-led innovation by connecting emerging entrepreneurs and organisations with training, technology experts, ecosystem partners, and regional visibility opportunities. It recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence to improve public services, strengthen environmental resilience, support disaster preparedness, and promote disability inclusion.
Applicants must address at least one of four challenge themes. Digital Public Services focuses on solutions that improve the design, delivery, or accessibility of public services such as healthcare tools, education tools, and citizen engagement platforms. Climate Adaptation and Environmental Resilience covers innovations that help communities respond to climate risks, manage water, conserve biodiversity, and improve energy efficiency. Disaster Risk Reduction and Peacebuilding includes technologies that strengthen disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community resilience. Disability Inclusion involves innovations that improve accessibility, independence, and participation for persons with disabilities through assistive technologies and accessible platforms.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include both for-profit and nonprofit organisations, as well as unregistered teams that demonstrate a commitment to long-term implementation. Although the programme prioritises outreach in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, applicants from other countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region are also welcome.
Applicants must satisfy specific conditions. At least one founder or co-founder must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application and must be available to participate in the online learning programme and potential future pitching opportunities. The organisation must be based in and deliver its solution within the Asia-Pacific region, and artificial intelligence must be a core component of the solution. Additionally, the solution must have progressed beyond the idea stage, featuring a functional prototype, minimum viable product, or existing solution tested with users or customers.
What you get
Selected participants receive opportunities to strengthen their solutions, build professional networks, and increase their visibility across the regional innovation ecosystem. Key benefits include participation in a regional learning programme designed to improve AI solutions and digital transformation capabilities. Selected grant recipients may receive prize funding ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 10,000, along with opportunities to present their innovations at in-person regional events.
Additional benefits include exposure through United Nations Development Programme communications, opportunities to apply for free credits for leading AI tools, and access to Tencent’s innovation ecosystem alongside engagement with technology experts and ecosystem partners. Grant funding is reserved for selected recipients rather than guaranteed for every participant.
How to apply
Applicants should prepare an accurate application explaining the problem being addressed, the communities served, the role of AI, and the project's potential impact. Submission materials include an application form, a pitch deck, a video response, and impact figures, all of which must be substandiatable if verification is requested. The video essay should communicate the founders' understanding of the problem and vision for the solution, and can be recorded on a smartphone with clear audio and visuals.
Applications cannot be updated after submission, so information must be reviewed carefully beforehand. Final selections are based entirely on the quality and potential of the submitted application, as there is no interview stage. Only shortlisted teams will be contacted, and individual feedback may not be available for unsuccessful applicants.
Key dates
Shortlisted applicants are expected to be contacted by March 2027, although timelines may change.