India Opens ₹5.85 Crore Global AI Challenges to Drive Social Impact
The Government of India has announced the opening of applications for three Global Impact Challenges under the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, inviting innovators from across the world to develop transformative AI-driven solutions. With a total prize pool of ₹5.85 crore, these challenges aim to promote inclusive, responsible, and scalable Artificial Intelligence innovation with the potential to create significant social and economic impact. The applications will remain open until October 31, 2025, through the official portal https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/.
The three flagship challenges—AI for All, AI by HER, and YUVAi (Global Youth Challenge)—are designed to identify and support groundbreaking AI innovations that can address critical societal needs while strengthening India’s global leadership in responsible AI development. Selected innovators will receive mentorship, investor access, and opportunities to showcase their work on a global platform at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled from February 19–20, 2026, in New Delhi.
AI for All: Global Impact Challenge seeks AI-based solutions that can scale to meet national and global challenges across key sectors such as agriculture, climate sustainability, education, financial inclusion, healthcare, manufacturing, and mobility. The top 10 winners will receive awards worth up to ₹2.5 crore, along with mentorship and post-summit accelerator opportunities. The challenge is open to students, researchers, startups, and professionals worldwide.
AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge, organized in collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), NITI Aayog, focuses on empowering women-led AI innovations. The initiative aims to build a strong pipeline of women innovators who can create tangible impact in fields like healthcare, digital wellbeing, energy, and education. It offers total awards worth ₹2.5 crore, along with mentorship, investor connects, and participation in virtual bootcamps.
The YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge is tailored for young innovators aged 13–21 years, encouraging them to develop AI solutions for the public good. The competition offers total prizes worth ₹85 lakh, including travel support and investor showcase opportunities. Participants will also engage in 10-day virtual bootcamps and receive global recognition through an online showcase.
Applicants are encouraged to visit the official website for detailed eligibility criteria, timelines, and submission guidelines. With these initiatives, India aims to accelerate the adoption of AI for inclusive growth, nurture innovation-driven talent, and shape a future where AI serves humanity responsibly and equitably.
Source: PIB
