Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge invites young people aged 18–35 from Southeast Asia to develop AI-driven solutions for social good, offering a USD 20,000 prize pool, national and regional awards, and a chance to present at the Regional Grand Finals in Singapore (May 2026).
Applications are now open for the AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge, a regional initiative designed to empower young innovators across Southeast Asia to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address real-world social challenges.
The challenge encourages youth to bridge the gap between emerging AI technologies and pressing community needs by developing practical, sustainable, and impactful AI-integrated solutions. It aims to promote AI literacy, strengthen regional collaboration, and inspire innovations that contribute to an inclusive and sustainable future for Southeast Asia.
Key Focus Areas
The challenge aligns with three strategic focus areas:
Knowledge, Skills and Learning
Expanding access to essential knowledge and skills that help individuals and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Scientific Progress
Accelerating scientific discovery and innovation to address society’s most urgent challenges through responsible AI use.
Stronger Communities
Enabling safer digital environments while strengthening community resilience in times of crisis.
Funding and Awards
A total prize pool of USD 20,000 will be awarded to solutions demonstrating strong feasibility, innovation, and public impact.
Regional-Level Prizes
First Prize: USD 5,000
Second Prize: USD 3,000
Third Prize: USD 1,000
National-Level Prizes (per participating country)
First Prize: USD 500 plus a fully funded trip to Singapore for the Regional Grand Finals
Second Prize: USD 300
Third Prize: USD 200
People’s Choice Award
USD 100 for the most popular video submission in each country.
Regional Grand Finals Opportunity
Selected national winners will be invited to Singapore in May 2026 to participate in the Regional Grand Finals, where they will:
Present their AI solutions to key regional executives
Participate in country booth exhibitions
Engage in regional knowledge exchange and networking
Eligibility Criteria
The challenge is open to:
Individuals aged 18–35
Participants currently enrolled in an educational institution
Applicants residing in eligible ASEAN countries
Participants may apply individually or in teams of up to three members, provided all team members live in the same ASEAN country and meet the eligibility requirements.
What Participants Are Expected to Do
Participants must:
Identify a real-world issue affecting a specific community
Design a practical and sustainable AI-based solution
Demonstrate how the solution generates measurable public good
Plan outreach activities to raise AI awareness among at least 1,000 community members
The emphasis is on responsible AI use, real-world applicability, and long-term community impact.
Submission Requirements
Each submission must include:
A written proposal outlining the target audience, problem statement, AI-based solution, feasibility, scalability, impact, and outreach plan
A three-minute pitch video summarising the idea, its innovation, and its measurable social benefits
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be assessed based on:
Clarity and relevance of the problem definition
Appropriateness and effectiveness of AI application
Feasibility and innovation of the solution
Scalability and sustainability
Practicality and effectiveness of outreach activities
Public engagement and potential for long-term impact
Why This Challenge Matters
The AI Ready ASEAN Youth Challenge serves as a platform for youth to learn, innovate, and lead through the responsible use of AI. By combining technology, education, and community engagement, the initiative empowers young people to shape solutions that uplift communities and strengthen regional resilience across Southeast Asia.
For more information, visit AI Ready ASEAN.
