UNU Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025 – AI for the Environment
Details
UNU AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025
The United Nations University (UNU) Global AI Network is excited to launch the AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition 2025, an international initiative empowering youth innovators to address environmental challenges using AI. The competition is co-organized by UNU Macau and Venture Cup China, with support from the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University. It was officially unveiled at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. (United Nations University)
Theme & Tracks
The 2025 edition is themed “AI for the Environment: Ecological Sustainability and the Green Transition”, with four key tracks:
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Environmental Protection & Conservation
- Clean Energy
- AI for Less Developed Countries (United Nations University, United Nations University)
Why It Matters
This competition invites youth to harness AI’s potential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful innovation, encouraging projects that are already near-commercial readiness. (UN Regional Info Centre)
Timeline & Process
- Initial Round (Online): 15 Aug – 15 Sept 2025
- Semi-Final (Online): 15 – 30 Sept 2025
- Final & Award Ceremony (In Person in Macau): 23 – 25 Oct 2025
- Special Macau Prize: Recognizes outstanding contributions from Macau youth (United Nations University, Grants Database)
Who Can Apply?
Open to individuals, teams, startups, or organizations globally—no restrictions on nationality or background. Eligibility criteria include:
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7–9 (validated in real-world scenarios, near commercialization)
- Projects from enterprises must be under 10 years old
- Entries must be in English, including applications and evaluation
- No registration or participation fees (United Nations University)
Awards & Benefits
Winners receive:
- USD 1,000 (pre-tax) financial award per category
- Virtual and in-person industry mentorship and investor matchmaking
- Opportunity to pilot solutions in China (Nov 2025 – Oct 2026)
- Global visibility across UNU platforms and events
- A special Macau Prize for local innovators (Grants Database, United Nations University)
Official Link
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Competitions and Awards |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 15 September,2025 |
| Country | China |
| Open to | All Nationalities |