About the Challenge
The YUVAi – Global Youth Challenge is your chance to dream big with AI!
If you are in the age group 13 - 21, bring your most innovative AI ideas to solve real-world problems, and seize the opportunity to present your innovation at the AI Impact Summit, to be held in New Delhi, India, in February 2026.
Last date to apply: 31st October, 2025
Download Submission Guidelines
Download Consent Form
Key Objectives
Provide opportunities for youthEngage with global AI experts through workshops and mentorships.
Organize 10 days virtual bootcampsEquip shortlisted applicants with skills, tools, and knowledge to strengthen their AI solutions.
Platform for young innovatorsShowcase their work to a global audience, exchange ideas with peers worldwide, and gain invaluable exposure.Indicative Themes
We welcome all innovative AI solutions that are widely deployable, demonstrate high impact potential at large scale, and address critical needs across diverse sectors.
Empowering people and communitiesAI solutions for elderly care, youth mental wellbeing and physical fitness, nutrition and holistic growth, equitable access to education, and empowering students with disabilities.
Transforming core sectorsAI solutions for sustainable agricultural production, green manufacturing, transportation and logistics, industrial transformation, and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
Future-ready infrastructure and smart ecosystemsAI solutions for safe and smart cities with sustainable infrastructure and mobility, clean and green environments, affordable clean energy, and improved last-mile public service delivery.
Wild Card/Open InnovationAn open track for novel cross-sector AI solutions beyond listed themes, with transformative potential for scale and impact.
Who Can Apply?
01Youth Individual
Applicants in the age group 13-21 can apply as youth individuals.
02Youth Teams
Applicants in the age group 13-21 can apply as youth teams with up to 2 members.
What Is In The Challenge For You
Awards & Recognition: Prizes worth Rs. 85 Lacs- First Prize: ₹15 Lacs each (Top 3 solutions)
- Second prize: ₹10 Lacs each (Next 3 solutions)
- Special Recognition Awards: 2 awards of ₹5 Lacs each
- Certificates for all participants, and exclusive credits/giveaways for winners
Summit Showcase- Top 20 shortlisted applicants get to present their innovation at the AI Impact Summit 2026 during the International Demo Day
- Top solutions with highest deployment potential get to present their solutions at Impact Summit investor showcase
Mentorship & Training- Join 10-days virtual bootcamps with expert mentors
- Enhance your solution, sharpen your pitch, and boost your innovation potential
Post-Summit Opportunities- Permanent showcase: Top 20 solutions featured on the Summit website
- AI Innovation Compendium: Winning solutions published in a global report
- Scaling with impact: Selected winners may receive mentorship from premier Indian institutions for real-world deployment
Challenge Process
FAQs
The challenge is open to applicants in the age group 13 - 21 years. Applicants can apply as individuals, or in teams with up to 2 members. All team members should be <=21 years of age as on 20th February, 2026.
Yes. Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply. We strongly encourage a diverse range of solutions from all regions and sectors.
You may submit either of the following:
A new solution, which is conceived through this challenge
An existing solution or a prototype that is already in development or deployment
Applicants can submit proof of concepts / working prototypes / deployable AI solutions that can be demonstrated and have large scale impact.
Each applicant must submit the following:
• Consent Form – PDF containing duly signed consent forms of all applicants as per prescribed template
• References/Citations – A PDF (maximum 2 pages) listing sources for any data or facts used in developing the solution
• Video Demo (2-3 minutes) – Including self-introduction, project/solution description, demonstration, technology used, and future scope. English subtitles must be added.
Shortlisted applicants will get the opportunity to join 10 days of virtual bootcamps and workshops to enhance their innovation potential and AI skills.
Winners will get an opportunity to win awards upto INR 85 Lakhs, along with giveaways, and present your solution on the global stage at the AI Impact Summit in India (February 2026).
All the solutions will be evaluated in a two stage process:
Phase 1: Solutions will be screened and shortlisted based on thematic alignment, innovative idea, scaling and impact potential.
Phase 2: Shortlisted innovators will be invited for presentation to a jury panel who will assess them on parameters as specified in.
Yes, intellectual property remains with the participants.
For winners below 18 years of age, the prize money shall be credited to the bank account of designated primary guardian.
For winners aged 18 to 21 years, the prize money shall be credited to the bank account of the designated team leader.
Please note that all prize money is subject to taxes and deductions as applicable under the Indian laws.
Participants get an opportunity to present their solutions at the AI Impact Summit apart from exposure to the global AI ecosystem, investor showcases for winning solutions, mentorship and expert guidance, credits, and exciting giveaways.
Yes, travel and accommodation for finalists (up to 2 members per team, and 1 adult guardian per team, in case of minor applicants) will be covered by the AI Impact Summit team.
Queries
All queries must be emailed to fellow3.gpai-india@meity.gov.in using the subject line:“YUVAi: Global Youth 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.