Stevens Initiative AI Ignite Lab 2026: AI and Social Impact Program for Young People in the U.S. and UAE
Overview
The Stevens Initiative AI Ignite Lab is a pilot programme that prepares young people in the United States and the United Arab Emirates for future careers by combining artificial intelligence, human-centred design, cross-cultural collaboration, digital storytelling and community action. Participants aged 18 to 24 from both countries work with peers from the other country to explore how AI and emerging technologies can address real challenges in their communities.
The programme moves from learning to action in several stages and aims to build skills in AI-supported problem solving, design thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership and project development.
Who can apply
The programme is for young people between 18 and 24 in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Applicants should make sure they can attend all required live sessions.
What you get
The four-week virtual Learning Lab builds foundations in AI, design thinking and developing solutions for social impact. It needs about four hours a week, made up of a two-hour live session and about two hours of preparation, individual activities and small-group touchpoints. Live sessions are on October 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time, which is 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM UAE time.
The Ideas Lab on November 7 and 8 is a two-day sprint of about 12 hours in total, with four hours of live programming and about two hours of partner work each day. It runs from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern, or 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM UAE time. Teams then refine their projects from November 9 to 13.
Key dates
The Day of Action is November 14, when participants carry out a locally relevant project in their own communities. A TikTok or Reel about the experience must be submitted by November 18. The programme ends with a virtual celebration on November 21, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Eastern, or 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM UAE time, where the cohort reflects on and shares what it achieved. The source does not give an application deadline.