Government Invites Applications For Three Global AI Impact Challenges With Rs 5.85 Crore Prize Pool
The Government has opened applications for three flagship Global Impact Challenges under the upcoming India-AI Impact Summit 2026, offering a total prize pool of ₹5.85 crore. The challenges – AI for All, AI by HER, and YUVAi – aim to identify and scale transformative Artificial Intelligence solutions with significant social and economic impact. Applications are open until October 31, 2025.
The three initiatives, first announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, in September 2025, are designed to accelerate inclusive and responsible AI innovation. Selected innovators will gain access to mentorship, investors, and a global platform to showcase their solutions at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19–20 in New Delhi.
AI for All: Global Impact Challenge
This challenge invites AI solutions addressing critical national and global needs across sectors such as agriculture, climate and sustainability, education, financial inclusion, healthcare, manufacturing, urban mobility, and open innovation.
* Awards: Up to ₹2.5 crore for the top 10 winners
* Support: Travel assistance for 20 finalists, mentorship, investor connects, compute credits, and post-summit accelerator support
* Eligibility: Open globally to students, researchers, professionals, startups, and companies with scalable AI solutions.
AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge
Organized in collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform and NITI Aayog, this challenge focuses on women-led AI innovation in fields such as agriculture, cybersecurity, education, healthcare, energy, and climate action.
* Awards: Up to ₹2.5 crore for the top 10 winners
* Support: Travel assistance for 30 finalists, virtual bootcamps on Responsible AI and investor readiness, and curated investor engagement opportunities
* Eligibility: Open globally to women-led teams and entities with working AI prototypes or mature solutions.
YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge
Aimed at young innovators aged 13–21, this initiative encourages AI solutions for public good. Thematic areas include community empowerment, key sector transformation, and future-ready infrastructure.
* Awards: Total prizes worth ₹85 lakh, including ₹15 lakh each for the top three winners
* Support: Travel assistance for top 20 participants, virtual bootcamps, investor showcases, and a permanent online innovation compendium
* Eligibility: Open globally to individuals or teams of two with prototypes or deployable solutions.
Key Dates and Application Details
* Applications Open: October 10, 2025
* Deadline: October 31, 2025
* Virtual Bootcamps: November 2025
* Finalists Announced: December 31, 2025
* Grand Showcase: India-AI Impact Summit 2026, New Delhi
Applications can be submitted through the official portal www.impact.indiaai.gov.in, where applicants can also find eligibility criteria, timelines, guidelines, and FAQs.
This initiative reinforces India’s commitment to promoting innovation and leadership in AI while ensuring that technology benefits society at large.
