New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The government on Monday announced that it will invite applications for three major Global Impact Challenges under the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026 and offer total prize money of Rs 5.85 billion.
The challenge, announced by Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnau in September, aims to identify, nurture and showcase transformative AI-driven innovations with high potential for social and economic impact.
Applications for all three challenges are currently being accepted on the official portal and the last date for submission is October 31st.
The three challenges (AI for All: Global Impact Challenge, AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge, and YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge) aim to accelerate inclusive, responsible, and scalable AI innovation.
These initiatives aim to generate breakthrough ideas that can bring about positive change in society and position India as a global center of AI excellence.
The selected innovations will be showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, to be held in New Delhi from February 19-20.
The AI for All: Global Impact Challenge is a global call for deployable AI innovations that address key sectors such as agriculture, climate and sustainability, education, financial inclusion, healthcare, manufacturing, urban infrastructure, and mobility.
Up to 10 winners will receive awards worth a total of Rs 2,500 crore, along with mentorship, investor connections, computing credits, and post-summit accelerator opportunities.
The 20 finalists will also receive travel support to attend the summit. The challenge is open to students, researchers, professionals, start-ups, and companies around the world with AI solutions that can scale.
Organized by NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and other partners, 'AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge' focuses on strengthening the pipeline of women-led AI innovations.
We are calling on women-led teams and organizations to propose AI solutions that have tangible social impact across sectors such as agriculture, cybersecurity, digital wellbeing, healthcare, energy, and climate. The top 10 winners will receive prizes worth Rs 2.5 crore, and up to 30 finalists will receive travel support and access to a virtual bootcamp on responsible AI.
YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge is aimed at young innovators between the ages of 13 and 21 and encourages them to develop AI solutions for the public good. The total prize money is worth Rs 85 million, with the top three winners receiving Rs 15 million each, the next three winners receiving Rs 10 million each and two special recognition awards worth Rs 50 million each. The top 20 participants will receive travel support to attend the summit and access to a virtual bootcamp and investor showcase.
–IANS
ah/na
