Eligibility note: This challenge is for youth-led organisations in Asia and the Pacific, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, with other Asia-Pacific countries also welcome. African organisations aren’t eligible. See the AI opportunities open to Africans at the end.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Tencent Charity Foundation launched the Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge on 23 October 2026. It supports young innovators building responsible AI solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals. Selected teams join a regional learning programme and can then apply for follow-on grants of US$5,000–10,000, plus free credits for AI tools.
The challenge is part of a UNDP–Tencent partnership running until December 2027. The application deadline hadn’t been confirmed when we published, so check UNDP’s announcement for the latest dates.
At a Glance
| Organisers | UNDP and the Tencent Charity Foundation |
| Region | Asia and the Pacific (priority: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand) |
| Who can apply | Youth-led organisations with a working AI prototype, MVP or user-tested solution |
| Support | Training, mentoring, a regional learning programme, then US$5,000–10,000 follow-on grants and AI tool credits |
| Launched | 23 October 2026 |
| Deadline | Not yet confirmed. Check UNDP’s page. |
Focus Areas
- Digital public services
- Climate adaptation
- Disaster risk reduction
- Disability inclusion
Benefits
- Ethical and technical AI training
- Mentoring from experienced practitioners
- A place in a regional learning programme with other youth innovators
- The chance to apply for follow-on grants of US$5,000–10,000
- Free credits for AI tools
- Pathways to put your solution into real-world use
Eligibility
- A youth-led organisation based in Asia and the Pacific, with priority for Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
- A functional prototype, minimum viable product (MVP) or solution already tested with users. Idea-stage projects don’t qualify.
- A solution that uses AI responsibly in one of the focus areas.
How to Apply
- Read UNDP’s announcement for the full criteria, the deadline and the application form.
- Prepare a short description of your AI solution, its users and evidence of testing.
- Explain which focus area your work addresses and how you handle AI ethics, such as data privacy and bias.
- Submit through the official application channel before the deadline.
Official UNDP announcement: Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge
