Innovation Factory

Building AI startups for global impact.

Scale your solution. 
Pitch your startup.

The AI for Good Innovation Factory is the leading UN-based startup pitching and acceleration platform, helping startups grow and scale their AI-powered solutions to address global challenges. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union, it offers global pitching opportunities, funding connections, expert mentorship, exclusive networking, and media exposure. Monthly pitching sessions highlight startups across regions and sectors, leading to the AI for Good Innovation Factory Grand Finale at the AI for Good Global Summit, where finalists pitch to investors for funding and partnerships.

200+ AI for Good startup finalists
Upcoming events
Join our global pitching competitions or the Startup Accelerator Programme to scale your AI solutions and connect with investors and mentors. You can apply to pitch or attend by clicking on each pitching competition below
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9GOAL 4
8 July 2025
11:30 - 17:15
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9GOAL 4
9 July 2025
09:00 - 17:15
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9GOAL 4
10 July 2025
09:00 - 12:45
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 17GOAL 9
6 March 2025
10:00 - 11:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory is coming to Barcelona...
Innovation Factory
OnlineGOAL 17GOAL 9
27 March 2025
16:00 - 17:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory is coming to Malta...
Innovation Factory
In person & onlineGOAL 17GOAL 9
27 March 2025
10:30 - 13:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory Australia is coming to...
Innovation Factory
In person & onlineGOAL 17GOAL 9
10 April 2025
16:00 - 17:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory is coming to Türkiye...
Innovation Factory
OnlineGOAL 3GOAL 9
25 February 2025
16:00 - 17:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
This is a global startup pitching session to find the...
Innovation Factory
OnlineGOAL 12GOAL 2+1
25 March 2025
16:00 - 17:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The collaboration between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Innovation Factory...
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9
8 July 2025
16:00 - 17:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
After a year-long quest to find the most promising AI...
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9
31 October 2025
16:00 - 16:40
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory is the leading UN-based...
Innovation Factory
OnlineGOAL 9
11 November 2025
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Welcome to the AI for Good Innovation Factory 2025 live...
Innovation Factory
OnlineGOAL 9
9 December 2025
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Artificial Intelligence (AI) paired with robotic technologies offer cutting-edge solutions...
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9GOAL 4
8 July 2025
11:30 - 17:15
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9GOAL 4
9 July 2025
09:00 - 17:15
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 9GOAL 4
10 July 2025
09:00 - 12:45
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Innovation Factory
In personGOAL 17GOAL 9
6 March 2025
10:00 - 11:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory is coming to Barcelona...
Innovation Factory
OnlineGOAL 17GOAL 9
27 March 2025
16:00 - 17:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory is coming to Malta...
Innovation Factory
In person & onlineGOAL 17GOAL 9
27 March 2025
10:30 - 13:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
The AI for Good Innovation Factory Australia is coming to...
Benefits
Scale your AI solution for global impact through exclusive opportunities, expert guidance, and access to a thriving network.
  • Pitch & Grand Finale
    Present your AI solution on a global stage, culminating in the AI for Good Innovation Factory Grand Finale, where the final winner will receive a $20,000 cash prize in front of investors and philanthropists.
  • Funding & Networking
    Connect with UN representatives, industry leaders, and investors to secure funding and build valuable partnerships.
  • Expert Mentorship & Guidance
    Receive personalized feedback and strategic advice from top-tier startup mentors to accelerate your growth.
  • AI for Good Global Summit VIP Access
    Enjoy an exclusive VIP experience at the AI for Good Global Summit, including a Speaker Pass and dedicated startup pod.
  • Media & Visibility
    Gain global media exposure and showcase your achievements through a dedicated blog article.
  • Startup Accelerator Programme
    Join a structured accelerator programme designed to refine your business model, enhance your impact, and fast-track your startup’s success.
+
3000
Startups
+
150
Countries
+
200
Startups selected to pitch
+
50
Pitching Sessions
34
Countries represented
Key dates and timeline
  • October 2024 - May 2025
    Monthly AI for Good Innovation Factory Pitching Competitions
  • June 2025
    AI for Good Startup Accelerator Programme
  • July 2025
    AI for Good Innovation Factory Grand Finale
Discover the success stories
Judges and mentors
The Innovation Factory is proud to have top class investors, accelerators, AI experts who will offer the startups consultation, professional advice, and access to funds, business partners and projects.
Chairman & Managing General Partner
,
REDDS Capital
Serial entrepreneur, investor, and futurist, Stephen’s accomplishments and global leadership positions with more than 100 programs / organizations and 300+ recognitions are too numerous to list. His leadership roles working daily with <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephenibaraki/?sh=58f6a463aafa">more than 1 million CEOs, Investors, Scientists</a> with the world’s leading CEO, scientific, technical and financial organizations allow him a unique vantage point to oversee where transformative innovation and investments are heading in the coming years. Stephen is the visionary behind REDDS whose tireless work has positioned REDDS to take advantage of the globally unique superior intelligence received by the group.  As a small sampling representing under 1% of Stephen’s current activities, he is the: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/AI/Pages/ibaraki.aspx">Founder of UN ITU, AI FOR GOOD,</a> adopted by <a href="https://vl.dk/2021/03/he-teaches-governments-and-leaders-to-use-ai-to-create-a-better-world-and-business/">governments</a>, corporations, and academia, with 3+ billion reach, as the world’s largest AI innovation solutions program, startup Innovation Factory, and daily summit driving AI top innovative business solutions such as generative AI (BingAI, Microsoft Azure OpenAI, GPT4-5) across 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and empowering CEO-led impact programs for the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/knowledgeimpactnetwork_shareknowledge-scaleimpact-shapetheworld-activity-7046900606879367168-MCxD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop">benefit of humanity and Earth Ecosystems such as with KIN</a> (Knowledge Impact Network) and <a href="https://stephenibaraki.com/ieee-tems/interviews/v0923/stephen_hecht2023_ieee-tems.html">Million PeaceMakers</a>. Ongoing judge and Grand Finale judge from the founding of the #AIForGood Innovation Factory with the last Grande Finale winner announced at the July AIForGood 2023 in this <a href="https://aiforgood.itu.int/scaling-up-global-action-on-sustainable-development-winning-ai-start-up-awarded-at-ai-for-good-global-summit/">news release</a>.</li> <li>Founding member of WFP Innovation Accelerator advisory council in 2017 and with the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sibaraki_earthshotprize-innovation-technology-activity-7127713777646505984-H0rR?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop">November 2023 announcement of two portfolio startups winning the 1 million UK pounds prize each</a>, top innovation Earthshot Prize. WFP is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, multiple awardee of Apple, Good, Fast Company awards for innovation.</li> <li>From 2009 serving in roles as: current ACM practitioner board (PB) and past chair / current ACM PB chair professional development committee (PDC) / current board PDC TechTalks committee / current board ByteCast committee / current board working group head on startups-entrepreneurship; ACM is the world’s largest computing organization. From 1989 serving in roles as: past CIPS President and Chair; CIPS founding fellow advising CEO; CIPS is Canada’s national ICT organization. From 2007, serving in roles as: founder and current vice-chair IFIP IP3, founder and current chair IFIP Industry Council; IFIP is the UNESCO-founded independent federation of national and international ICT organizations with CIPS, ACM, IEEE as some of the founders. From 2004 serving in roles as: NPA board member, NPA founding fellow; NPA is a global infrastructure ICT organization. From 2016 serving in roles as: IEEE CS board committee member; current IEEE TEMS board committee member and active keynote in IEEE TEMS conferences/summits; current IEEE RASSE conference organizer/designer and opening keynote for industry forum in 2021, 2022, 2023; advisor to IEEE Entrepreneurship; IEEE is the world’s largest technology organization.</li> <li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/04/17/is-financial-services-ready-for-broad-5th-machine-age-technology-adoption/?sh=364081ad76cf">Founder of Fintech Ideas Festival, Technology Advisory Council</a>, providing industry solutions ten years into the future for the top 100 CEOs representing nearly US $100 Trillion in managed assets where the CEOs invested in all the transformational tech solutions and startups identified from Stephen 2015 including blockchain, digital identities, mobile financial services, AI/ML, cybersecurity, biometrics, 5/6G, quantum computing, future of fintech, future of the workforce, privacy and data analytics, personalization and precision services, new user/consumer experience from the confluence of the digital / physical / biological. Stephen directed the CEOs into execution focused working groups, monthly innovation forums, private summits. The public facing parts of this private work is captured in an article Stephen wrote for IT World in January 2017, “<a href="https://www.itworldcanada.com/blog/top-ceos-and-futurists-on-the-future-of-financial-services-and-technology/389899">Top CEOs and futurists on the future of financial services and technology</a>”, a <a href="https://youtu.be/FODUBJBDsGA">rare public video</a> from January 2017 private CEO summit, where Stephen provides his foresight insights to questions. The President and chair of the CEOs technology group introduces Stephen, <strong>“<em>Introduce Stephen Ibaraki. Stephen is the entrepreneur and chairman of the Fintech Ideas Festival, a tremendous help and a lot of the people are here today came through Steve’s connections and his work in the industry. Steve’s has a fantastic executive leadership career, distinguished advisor for startups and global fortune 500 companies and governments specifically on strategy, most recently organizing the current AI for Good Summit in Geneva in June 2017 with the United Nations ITU and XPRIZE.</em>”</strong> There is a joint article written for the CEOs which also appeared with the United Nations in 2017, “<a href="https://news.itu.int/trending-ai-in-finance/">Trending: AI in finance</a>” by Stephen Ibaraki, founding chairman FSR technology advisory council and Hari Gopalkrishnan, managing director, platforms and technology Bank of America. Article from Forbes in 2019: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/04/17/is-financial-services-ready-for-broad-5th-machine-age-technology-adoption/?sh=46d1cec376cf">https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/04/17/is-financial-services-ready-for-broad-5th-machine-age-technology-adoption/?sh=46d1cec376cf</a> Is Financial Services Ready For Broad 5th Machine Age Technology Adoption?</li> <li>Founding chair YPO Impact Advisory Board and <a href="https://www.ypo.org/about-ypo/">YPO</a> EU Impact Summit Advisory Board, creating workable business solutions for the world’s largest opportunities/challenges and focused on purposeful leadership / business / capital & investments / innovation. YPO: 35K CEOs, US $9 Trillion annual revenue (ranking 3<sup>rd</sup> in GDP if considered a country) across 150+ countries, 500 chapters, employing 22 million. With work underway since May 2019, the <a href="https://www.ypo.org/eis/">first summit Oct 2020</a> and continuing as <a href="https://www.ypo.org/profile/stephen-ibaraki/">chair impact advisory board</a> with first global impact summit (<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephenibaraki/2022/12/29/2023-top-4-global-impact-narratives-with-hansen-hecht-kemmerich-rocha/?sh=3805fb793e69">YPOGIS2023 in Feb 2023</a>) and continuing in <a href="https://stephenibaraki.com/ieee-tems/interviews/v0923/stephen_hecht2023_ieee-tems.html">2024</a> and beyond;</li> <li><a href="https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/PublicProfile/33272?fullName=Stephen%20Ibaraki">Recipient of 21 Microsoft Global Awards</a> (18 MVP Awards), 40+ overall recognitions, with six years MVP 2018-2023 in AI, with the world’s largest and top corporation in technology and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6950120910011973633/">advising Microsoft under NDA since the 1970s</a>, recognizing decades of lifetime achievement, global–leadership, entrepreneurship, investments, disruptive innovation. As noted by <a href="https://www.ipthree.org/stephen-ibaraki-awarded-microsoft-mvp-ai-for-2020-2021/"><em>Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in award citations</em></a><strong><em>, </em></strong><strong><em>“We recognize and value your exceptional contributions and commitment to technical communities worldwide. By sharing your real-world expertise and technical skills, you demonstrate outstanding technical community leadership. Thank you.”</em></strong> Judging as MVP, the largest youth innovation Award program, the Imagine Cup which empowers 2+ million students over 20 years. From <a href="https://educationblog.microsoft.com/en-us/2023/06/announcing-the-global-winners-for-microsoft-imagine-cup-junior-2023-students-developing-the-ai-skills-needed-for-the-future-world-of-work">Microsoft news release in Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior 2023</a>, <strong><em>“The Imagine Cup Junior is more than a competition. It is a learning journey that empowers students to develop their skills in AI and other technologies. These students have shown us how AI can be used for good, to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems and create a better future for everyone. I’m proud to be a part of this journey and congratulate all the competitors – and winners -- for their remarkable achievements." Stephen Ibaraki, Founder, UN AI for Good and Imagine Cup Junior 2023 judge. Spotlighted by the </em></strong><a href="https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mvp-communities-blog/meet-the-startup-student-career-mentor-microsoft-mvps/ba-p/3919403">Microsoft’s MVP program in 2023 for Stephen’s mentorship global contributions in serving startups, innovation and entrepreneurship<strong>:</strong></a> <strong><em>“</em></strong><strong><em>Stephen's mentorship initiatives have been pivotal in propelling entrepreneurship and innovations that yield significant societal benefits. His dynamic involvement spans a wide spectrum of communities, including CEOs, UN agencies, scientific/engineering entities, investors, media outlets, social media platforms, and more.</em></strong> <strong><em>He says, “Mentorship, or ‘support’ for innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups occurs at many levels. Initially, building awareness, directing freely available resources and open startup platforms, helping grow the startups presence, providing advice, supporting investment, helping startups to scale”…</em></strong> article continues with examples from Imagine Cup, #AIforGood Innovation Factory, WFP Innovation Accelerator, CEO Leadership Alliance, non-profit organizations IEEE TEMS, ACM, CIPS. Invited advisor, mentor, investor for the <a href="https://foundershub.startups.microsoft.com/signup">Microsoft Startup Founders Hub</a>, founded in 2023.</li> <li>Active investor, investment / innovation / foresight advisor, serving on investment committees. Examples: Global Chair and managing general partner REDDS Capital; Adastral Funds; Southern California Master Fund (SCMF-CEO led funds of Funds); DTGO/MQDC; T&B Media Global; Terasaki Institute Biomedical Innovation (TIBI); serving on the investment selection committee for the new Canadian government sovereign funding renewed venture capital catalyst initiative (VCCI) adding up to 1.4 billion in the VC ecosystem. Canada in ranked in the top 5 in VC in the 38 countries of the OECD. Government announcements on the renewed VCCI: <a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/sme-research-statistics/en/venture-capital-catalyst-initiative">VCCI</a> , <a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/sme-research-statistics/en/venture-capital-catalyst-initiative/venture-capital-catalyst-initiative-selection-committee">Funds of Funds selection committee</a> , <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2022/10/minister-ng-announces-new-venture-capital-investments.html">Minister announcement of Fund of Funds</a> , <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2023/10/minister-valdez-announces-new-investments-to-help-diverse-entrepreneurs-grow-their-businesses.html">Minister announcement on Inclusive Growth Stream Funding</a>.  For VCCI, examples of current contributions: Member of the Canadian government’s renewed Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) selection committee for the fund of funds and inclusive growth streams. See a letter of thanks outlining his work <a href="https://reddscapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ibaraki-Letter-from-the-Hon.-Minister-Valdez-2023-09-08-1.pdf">here on the Inclusive Growth stream 1</a> and <a href="https://reddscapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Letter-to-Stephen-Ibaraki-2023-05-05.pdf">here on the Funds of Funds stream</a>. From the Minister<strong><em>,” I would like to personally thank you for your participation on the renewed Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) selection committee for the inclusive growth stream. Your report to the Deputy Minister of Economic Development was provided to me for my consideration and review. I appreciated the recommendations the committee developed on the selection of funds for the VCCI program, which demonstrated thoughtful deliberation and consideration. I particularly welcomed the recognition of the significant role of enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian venture capital as part of a market-driven investment program. As a member of the selection committee, you took on an important role contributing your expertise, insights, and leadership. Your industry experience provided a valuable lens through which to assess the applications, supporting the Government of Canada in its efforts to enhance access to capital to support Canadian entrepreneurs. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my thanks and extend my personal appreciation for the time and effort you committed to support the renewed VCCI.” </em></strong></li> <li>Examples of recent activities (at the time of profile creation: 23-11-13) for fall 2023: Host/moderator supporting organizer for <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7118579619636641792/">O’Reilly Generative AI for Government</a> superstream summit; opening keynote and conference organizer/designer <a href="https://2023.ieeerasse.org/industry-forum">IEEE RASSE 2023 Conference Industry Forum</a>; MC for the private YPO UNGA summit; moderator/speaker for <a href="https://www.leadersonpurpose.com/2023-ceo-summit">6<sup>th</sup> Annual CEO LOP Summit co-hosted by Salesforce</a>; Mentor and AMA (Ask Me Anything) for CEO  Leadership Alliance OC AI region AI course; <a href="https://www.unaoc.org/2023/10/2nd-global-dialogue-artificial-intelligence/">Plenary speaker at UNAOC’S 2nd Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence</a> “Towards the World of #OneHumanity” on Human Centered AI</li> <li>Contributor to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/people/stephenibaraki/#7d8cad4d71ae">Forbes</a> / Cognitive World and <a href="https://www.itworldcanada.com/author/sibaraki">IT World Canada </a>on leading new investments, innovation, entrepreneurship.</li> <li>Stephen conducts interviews with global experts since the 1970s appearing with news channels, Forbes, IT World Canada, ACM, IEEE/IEEE TEMS, IFIP, NPA, CIPS, KNVI, The Brand Called You (and their 20+ platforms) and more.</li> </ul> More here on lifetime achievement for innovation, investments, entrepreneurship as <a href="http://www.cips.ca/stephen-ibaraki">CIPS Founding Fellow</a> and in <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sibaraki/">LinkedIn</a>.
Executive Chairman
,
National AI and Cyber Security ISAO
<span data-contrast="auto">Carlo Tortora Brayda di Belvedere, born in Rome, Italy, in 1969, is the founder and Executive Chairman of the Tortora Brayda Institute for Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity, a global Think Tank to promote effective partnerships. Mr. Tortora Brayda is the former CEO of Gorilla Corporation, the global leader in Technology Partnerships through Channels and Alliances. An organization that supported industry giants like IBM, AWS, and Microsoft as well as innumerable startups. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <span data-contrast="auto">His earliest work with the United Nations was as a Volunteer in the Office of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid in Geneva, Switzerland. Shortly after that, he met with former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali and Kofi Annan several times. These were profoundly formative meetings focusing on the role of public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship, and their role in international development. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <span data-contrast="auto">In 2003, he created Alchemy World Projects, an Ethiopian-based NGO aimed at poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship and coordination with the government on private sector development. The program was successful and lifted thousands of people out of poverty into employability and small-medium enterprise development. During this time, he was appointed Advisor on Trade and Industry to Federal President Girma Wolde-Ghiorgis. He also fulfilled an advisory role in Entrepreneurship development and Foreign Direct Investment to several Regional Presidents, particularly the President of Amhara State, the historical heartland of Ethiopia, covering more than 25 million inhabitants. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <span data-contrast="auto">In the ongoing spirit of Partnerships, Mr. Tortora Brayda signed Gorilla Corporation as a Sector D Member of the United Nations International Telecommunications Union to the forefront of internet policy making and standardization. In 2006, Mr. Tortora Brayda was invited by the World Economic Forum to be a Special Constituent Member and, subsequently, an expert contributor in assessing global risks for the  G20. Since then, his only focus has been supporting Partnership Excellence in all its forms within all technology growth areas, including the Think Tank’s core tracks: Cybersecurity, Cloud/Data Center, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics. Mr. Tortora Brayda, a United States National Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity ISAO co-founder, has also been invited by NATO CyCon and Strategic Communication CoE to participate in its proceedings. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <span data-contrast="auto">He has been a Judge on the United Nations ITU AI for Good Innovation Factory since 2020. As of 2023, he acted as Judge for the ad hoc AI for Good Contest for Climate Change in partnership with ITU, UNESCO, FAO, IAEA, and World Bank culminating in COP 28. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <span data-contrast="auto">Mr. Tortora Brayda, an information systems engineer with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, and with his subsequent companies, has won numerous business awards, including the Forbes Technology Council Award for Best Group (Cybersecurity),  Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year, South East of England, Shell Livewire Greatest Employment Potential, Oxfordshire Business of the Year Award presented by Boris Johnson, Guildford Mayor’s Cup, and was honored to join Queen Elizabeth II Golden Coronation private event at St James’ Palace in London. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <span data-contrast="auto">Mr. Tortora Brayda serves as Global Lead on Cybersecurity for the Forbes Technology Council, is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, and a Freeman of the City of London. In 2022, he joined CyberStratos M&A Advisory, as an GTM Advisor and Equity Partner.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span>
VP and Managing Director
,
Qualcomm Ventures
<span data-contrast="auto">Merav Weinryb is VP & Managing Director of Qualcomm Ventures in Israel and Europe. During her tenure, Merav invested or was part of the Board of Directors of SentinelOne (NYSE:S), CrazyLabs (Acquired by Embracer), Magisto (Vimeo), OpenSignal (Comlinkdata), Tapingo (Grubhub), Weka, Scylla, Simply, Tytocare, Shopic, Medisafe and more.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <span data-contrast="auto">Merav has more than 25 years of high-tech and venture capital experience. Prior to joining Qualcomm Ventures, she was at Intel Capital, and before that a at Pitango Venture Capital. Merav holds a B.Sc. in Information Systems Engineering (cum laude) from the Technion, and an MBA from INSEAD, France.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span>
Vice President of Business Development
,
MassRobotics
<span class="TextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0">Micaelah is the Vice President of Business Development at </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW65451051 BCX0">MassRobotics</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0"> where she helps </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0">identify</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0"> and create new opportunities for </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW65451051 BCX0">Massrobotics</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0"> and its member companies. Prior to joining </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW65451051 BCX0">Massrobotics</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0">, Micaelah served as the Director of External Affairs for Boston University’s </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW65451051 BCX0">Innovate@BU</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0"> where she helped students innovate and problem solve in their careers and their communities. Micaelah was also the co-founder of the nationally recognized Greentown Manufacturing Initiative – which connected startups and manufacturers to promote local commercialization and economic development; and Executive Director of Greentown Learn (now FORGE), the sister organization of Greentown Labs, the largest cleantech hardware incubator in the United States. In these roles, Micaelah served as an advisor to programs developed within the US Department of Energy, US Department of Commerce, NYSERDA and others. Micaelah also worked in the MA State Senate from 2006-2012. She has a BA in political science from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW65451051 BCX0">Master’s in Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW65451051 BCX0"> from Tufts University.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW65451051 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span>
Evaluation criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Innovation
    How original and forward-thinking is the startup’s approach compared to existing solutions?
  • Problem Clarity & Market Fit
    How clearly is the problem defined, and how well does the solution align with a real and significant market need?
  • Execution Strategy
    How well-developed is the go-to-market plan, including partnerships, distribution channels, and revenue model?
  • Technology & Risk Management
    How effectively is AI integrated into the solution, and how well are potential technical and operational risks identified and addressed?
  • Team Strength
    Does the team have the skills, experience, and capacity to execute the solution and adapt as needed?
  • Global Relevance
    How strongly does the solution contribute to addressing one of humanity’s most pressing global challenges?
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Innovation Factory Local Chapters
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Innovation Factory Local Chapters

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Innovation Factory – your local chapter!

Looking to accelerate the growth and scale of innovative AI startups in your region that are solving global challenges, or those you’re supporting across different sectors?

Co-organize, with ITU, your own Innovation Factory Local Chapter, and join your top finalist at the prestigious AI for Good Innovation Factory Grand Finale at the 2025 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva (8 to 11 July) where the final winner will get a full package of prizes.

Download the package by completing the form below, and we’ll contact you to discuss this exciting opportunity.

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    Discover our latest reportIdentifying and scaling AI startups for SDGs: ITU AI for Good Innovation Factory 2020-2024 Activities

    The AI for Good Innovation factory has since its launch in 2020 emerged as a key pitching and acceleration platform for AI startups from all corners of the world. These ventures address critical challenges of society, cross-cutting across all sectors. The selection of the finalist startups is a rigorous process that ensures the highest quality of innovations. With a growing startup community over the years, the Innovation Factory’s ambition is to identify practical solutions using AI, scale those solutions for global impact, and solve global challenges.