Govt Opens Applications for Global AI Impact Challenges Worth ₹5.85 Crore

The Indian government has opened applications for three Global Impact Challenges under the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, with a total prize pool of ₹5.85 crore. 

The challenges—AI for All, AI by HER and YUVAi—aim to identify and support AI-driven innovations with large-scale social and economic potential. Each programme offers mentorship, investor access, cloud credits and a global platform for participants to showcase and scale their ideas.

Announced by union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in September, the initiative seeks to accelerate inclusive and responsible AI innovation. Selected projects will be showcased at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19-20, 2026, in Delhi.

AI for All: Global Impact Challenge

This challenge calls for deployable AI solutions addressing national and global needs across sectors like agriculture, climate, education, financial inclusion, healthcare, manufacturing and urban mobility, among others.

The top 10 winners will receive up to ₹2.5 crore in total awards. Participants will also receive mentorship, investor connects, cloud credits and post-summit accelerator access.

The competition is open globally to students, researchers, startups and companies, with AI projects ready for pilot or scale-up stages.

AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge

Implemented by NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), AI by HER focuses on strengthening the ecosystem for women-led AI innovation. The challenge invites AI solutions that create social impact in areas such as agriculture, education, cybersecurity, digital wellbeing, healthcare and energy.

The top 10 winners will share awards worth ₹2.5 crore. Participants will also undergo virtual bootcamps on responsible AI, investor readiness and storytelling, along with curated investor connections.

The challenge is open globally to women-led teams, startups or student groups with working AI prototypes or mature solutions.

YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge

Targeted at innovators aged 13-21, YUVAi is designed to inspire young people to create AI solutions for the public good. Focus areas include empowering communities, transforming key sectors and building smart, sustainable infrastructure.

The total prize pool is ₹85 lakh. 

The top three winners will receive ₹15 lakh each, the next three will get ₹10 lakh each and two teams will receive special recognition awards of ₹5 lakh each. 

Participants will also take part in 10-day virtual bootcamps and get investor showcase opportunities. The challenge is open globally to individuals or teams aged 13-21 with working prototypes or deployable AI solutions.

Finalists will be announced by December 31, and the grand showcase will take place during the India-AI Impact Summit from February 16-20, 2026, in Delhi.