AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition

📝 About the Competition

The UNU Global AI Network is proud to launch the AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition, an international science and technology innovation competition aimed at:

• Empowering social innovation
• Advancing youth development
• Addressing sustainable development challenges through artificial intelligence (AI)

2025 Theme: AI for the Environment: Ecological Environment and Green Transition Challenges

The competition focuses on innovative solutions with high technology readiness levels (TRL), ready for commercialization in China. Tracks for the 2025 theme include:

1. Climate Change Adaptation

   • Using AI to predict climate change impacts and enhance resilience of societies and ecosystems.

2. Environmental Protection and Conservation

   • Using AI to enhance monitoring, resource management, protection, conservation, and mitigation strategies for the environment.

3. Clean Energy

   • Using AI to enhance renewable energy efficiency and accelerate the low-carbon transition of energy systems.

4. AI for Less Developed Countries

   • Using AI to develop affordable and accessible technology to support climate adaptation and green transition in less developed countries.

Additionally, 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.

🎁 Benefits

1. Cash Award:

   • $1,000 USD per category-winning team (before tax).

2. Pilot Opportunity:

   • Winning teams will pilot their projects in China from November 2025 to October 2026.

3. Growth-Support Package:

   • Financial support
   • Industry and investment matchmaking
   • International promotion

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Open to companies, organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide. No restrictions based on background or nationality.
2. Participating projects must have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) above 6, meaning:
   • Completed laboratory stage
   • Ready for real-world validation
   • Close to commercialization
   • Demonstrates innovation and market potential
3. For projects from established enterprises, the company must have been founded less than 10 years ago.
4. Applications and accompanying materials must be submitted in English. Evaluation will also be conducted in English.
5. No fees for registration, training, or participation.

📅 Application Process and Timeline

Timeline:

1. Official Launch Ceremony:

   • July 27, 2025 at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai.

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 in Macau.

Application Deadline:

• September 15, 2025

🌟 Key Details

• Date Published: August 05, 2025
• Category: Contest
• Organized by: United Nations University Institute in Macau

📌 Contact Information

For more details, visit the Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition official page.

• 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.