UNDP and Tencent Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge 2027: Grants of $5,000–$10,000 for Youth-Led AI Solutions
Overview
The UNDP and Tencent Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge 2027 is a regional initiative created to support young innovators, entrepreneurs, and youth-led organizations in Asia and the Pacific. The programme is jointly launched and delivered by the United Nations Development Programme and Tencent Charity Foundation to foster responsible artificial intelligence innovations that address real-world development challenges and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Selected organizations participate in a regional learning programme that provides capacity-building, mentorship, and connections with relevant innovation ecosystems. Following this programme, participants have the opportunity to apply for follow-on grants and receive free credits for leading AI tools. The initiative primarily focuses on Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, while also welcoming strong applications from other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Who can apply
Applications are open to youth-led organizations across Asia and the Pacific. While the initiative specifically focuses on Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, strong applications from other countries within the region are also welcome. Eligible applicants must have a functional prototype, minimum viable product, or an existing solution that has already been tested with users or customers.
What you get
Selected participants gain access to a regional learning programme offering capacity-building, mentorship, and connections to relevant innovation ecosystems. Following the programme, participants can apply for follow-on grants ranging from US$5,000 to US$10,000. Additionally, selected organizations receive free credits for leading AI tools.
Requirements
Applicants must be youth-led organizations developing AI-powered solutions in areas such as digital public services, climate adaptation, environmental resilience, disaster risk reduction, peacebuilding, and disability inclusion. Solutions must have reached at least the functional prototype or minimum viable product stage, or be an existing solution that has been tested with users or customers.
Key dates
The application deadline is 31 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT+7 according to Bangkok time.