AI for ALL:
Global Impact Challenge
Thank you for the exceptional response! Applications are now under evaluation.
About the Challenge
The AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge strives to identify solutions that use AI to enable large-scale impact. The leading solutions get showcased at the India - AI Impact Summit to be held in New Delhi, India in February 2026. This initiative is being implemented in partnership with Startup India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Digital India BHASHINI Division.
Application window has now closed. Shortlisted candidates will be reached out on their registered email address.
Download Submission Guidelines
Key Objectives
Identify High Quality SolutionsSpotlight high quality, AI-driven innovations addressing unmet global needs across sectors
Inspire Adoption and ScaleAmplify AI innovations through global visibility, recognition, and ecosystem support
Build Strategic PartnershipsFoster meaningful connections between global innovators, and enabling organizations to drive sustained impact
Indicative Themes
We welcome all innovative AI solutions that are widely deployable, demonstrate high potential value at large scale, and address critical needs across diverse sectors.
Below themes are indicative.
AgricultureAI Solutions for pressing agriculture challenges such as declining crop productivity due to climate unpredictability, post-harvest losses, resource management, and access to timely market insights
Climate and sustainabilityAI Solutions for addressing sustainability and resilience challenges, including extreme weather events, emissions reduction, and sustainable resource management
EducationAI Solutions for equitable access to quality learning resources, addressing geographical and demographic learning gaps, lack of capacity and personnel to deliver personalized instruction, and digital divide
Financial InclusionAI Solutions such as enhancing credit access for migrants, gig workers, MSMEs, and informal communities, addressing financial fraud in digital payment systems, and low financial literacy among marginalized groups
Who Can Apply?
01Students
Enrolled in universities or research programs
02Working Professionals
Employed in start-ups, companies, public sector, public sector entities or non-profits
03Researchers
From universities, autonomous bodies, or research institutions
04Companies & Start-ups
Registered businesses, start-ups, or non-profit entities
What Is In The Challenge For You
Awards up to INR 2.50 CrAwards of INR 25,00,000 to each of the top 10 winners and potential incentives such as cloud and compute credits
Summit ShowcaseGlobal visibility, investor connections and networking opportunities.
Mentorship and BootcampsMentorship from industry experts on business strategy, pitch readiness etc.
Post Summit OpportunitiesRecognition of the top solutions in the AI Innovation Compendium and potential mentorship from premier institutions to enable real-world deployment and scaling
Challenge Process
Evaluation
Solution Definition
Technical Feasibility
Business Model
Team Competence
Potential Impact
FAQs
• Students: Enrolled in universities or research programs
• Working Professionals: Employed in start-ups, companies, public sector, public sector entities or non-profits
• Researchers: From universities, autonomous bodies, or research institutions
• Companies and Start-ups: Registered businesses, recognized start-ups, and non-profit entities
Yes. Teams from across the globe are welcome to apply. We strongly encourage a diverse range of solutions from all regions.
Yes, you can apply to all three challenges if you meet the required eligibility criteria
You can submit AI solutions that are pilot-ready (solutions that are ready for or have completed pilot) or already scaling (solutions with presence in the market).
The solution must be in pilot stage (solutions that are ready for or have completed pilot) or scaling (solutions with presence in the market).
All the solutions will be evaluated on the basis of: Solution Definition, Technical Feasibility, Business Model, Team Competence, and Potential Impact by leading industry experts
Yes, intellectual property remains with the participants.
Award money shall be credited to the bank account of the registered entity under which the AI solution is registered. If the participating team has not yet registered themselves as a Company or Startup they can still participate. However, they will be required to be registered as a Company or Startup before the Summit to be eligible for receiving the award money. All award money is subject to applicable taxes and deductions under Indian laws.
Finalists will have access to:
• Global Exposure: Opportunity to present your solution to an audience of leaders and experts at the AI Impact Summit
• Networking and Mentorship: Opportunity to connect with and receive mentorship, funding and scaling opportunities support from leading investors and ecosystem experts.
• Valuable Resources: Access to potential compute and cloud credits to further develop, deploy and scale your solutions.
Yes, the travel and accommodation for top 20 teams (up to 2 members per team) will be covered by the India AI Impact Summit team.
Two team members will be invited to represent the shortlisted AI solution during the Summit
Queries
All queries must be emailed to fellow3[dot]gpai-india[at]meity[dot]gov[dot]in using the subject line:"AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge – Query - [Applicant Name]".
Important Notes
Applicants are advised to visit the website regularly for further updates. The team leaders of the shortlisted entries will be contacted via their registered email IDs with further instructions and communication. All shortlisted teams are required to adhere to the Rules and Regulations and Eligibility Criteria as outlined on the official call for application. They must also submit all necessary documents as requested to proceed to the next stage. Participation is subject to local and international laws and that applicants are fully responsible for compliance. All personal data collected from participants will be handled, stored, and processed in strict accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other applicable laws and regulations enforced in India. IndiaAI reserves the right to amend timelines, processes, or eligibility criteria in unforeseen circumstances, in the interest of fair competition and operational feasibility.
Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
IndiaAI, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), its officers, employees, partners, and collaborating organizations assume no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience caused as a result of participation in these challenges. By submitting an application or participating in the India AI Impact Summit challenges, participants agree and acknowledge that participation is at their own risk. The organizers reserve the right to modify, postpone, or cancel any part of the challenge or event, including rules, criteria, timelines, or awards, at their sole discretion, without prior notice. All participants are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable local and international laws. The organizers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of participation or inability to participate. Submission of entries does not guarantee selection, awards, or any future engagement. Any decisions made by the organizing committee are final and binding in all matters related to the challenge and its outcomes. It is hereby clarified that there are no registration fees or participation charges for this Global Challenge. Any individual or entity claiming otherwise will attract penal action. Participants are advised not to make any payments to any person or organization for the Innovation Challenges. The organizers shall not be responsible for any loss arising from any such dealing with unauthorized persons.
India AI Impact Summit Partners 2026
Knowledge Partners
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