The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced the return of the AI for Good Impact Awards for 2026.
This global competition aims to spotlight artificial intelligence solutions that are actively solving real-world challenges in human well-being, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.
Successful applicants will be thrust onto the global stage, with winners set to be honored at a high-profile ceremony during the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.
The AI for Good Impact Awards focus on the responsible and effective application of technology to create a measurable, positive future for all.
The competition is divided into three core categories: AI for People, AI for Planet, and AI for Prosperity.
These tracks cover diverse focus areas ranging from healthcare and education to climate resilience and the modernization of global industries.
Benefits
Winners and finalists receive significant global exposure and promotion through the AI for Good and Tech To The Rescue networks.
This recognition helps validate their technological approaches and highlights their contribution to solving the world’s most pressing global challenges.
Selected finalists are invited to attend the prestigious AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Switzerland.
At the event, winners are presented with the official AI for Good Impact Award trophy, cementing their status as leaders in ethical and sustainable AI innovation.
Beyond the physical award, participants retain full ownership of their intellectual property.
The program serves as a premier platform for organizations to demonstrate how AI can power long-term prosperity and institutional resilience on a global scale.
Application requirements and eligibility
The call is open to a wide range of global entities, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and non-profit organizations.
Academic institutions, government bodies, and individual contributors are also encouraged to submit their work.
While the awards are inclusive, startups and early-stage companies are not eligible for this specific competition.
These younger ventures are instead invited to apply for the AI for Good Innovation Factory, a dedicated startup pitching contest.
Projects do not need to be fully completed; early-stage solutions like Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) are welcome.
However, applicants must be able to demonstrate measurable societal or environmental benefits and a clear, viable pathway for scaling their innovation.
Deadline
The application window officially opens on January 15, 2026, and all entries must be submitted through the official portal by March 15, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Following an evaluation phase, finalists will be announced in May before the final judging and awards ceremony in July.
Visit the AI for Good Impact Awards call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
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