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
OnlineAI and industry
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
Online
3 February 2026
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
This is a global startup pitching session to find the...
Innovation Factory
In person & online
17 March 2026
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
This is a global startup pitching session to find the...
Innovation Factory
OnlineAI and environmentAI and industry
10 September 2025
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Environmental degradation remains one of the most pressing global challenges,...
Innovation Factory
OnlineAI and environmentAI and industry
17 September 2025
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Environmental degradation remains one of the most pressing global challenges,...
Innovation Factory
In person
10 October 2025
15:30 - 16:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
India is home to one of the largest startup ecosystems...
Innovation Factory
In personAI and industry
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
OnlineAI and industry
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
OnlineAI and industry
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
Online
3 February 2026
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
This is a global startup pitching session to find the...
Innovation Factory
In person & online
17 March 2026
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
This is a global startup pitching session to find the...
Innovation Factory
OnlineAI and environmentAI and industry
10 September 2025
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Environmental degradation remains one of the most pressing global challenges,...
Innovation Factory
OnlineAI and environmentAI and industry
17 September 2025
17:00 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Environmental degradation remains one of the most pressing global challenges,...
Innovation Factory
In person
10 October 2025
15:30 - 16:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
India is home to one of the largest startup ecosystems...
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
  • September 2025 – May 2026
    Monthly AI for Good Innovation Factory Pitching Competitions
  • 7-10 July 2026
    AI for Good Startup Accelerator Programme
  • 7 July 2026
    AI for Good Innovation Factory Pre-Final Round
  • 8 July 2026
    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.
Chief Technology Officer and Vice President
,
Amazon
Dr. Werner Vogels is Chief Technology Officer at Amazon.com where he is responsible for driving the company's customer-centric technology vision. As one of the forces behind Amazon's approach to cloud computing, he is passionate about helping young businesses reach global scale, and transforming enterprises into fast-moving digital organizations. Vogels joined Amazon in 2004 from Cornell University where he was a distributed systems researcher. He has held technology leadership positions in companies that handle the transition of academic technology into industry. Vogels holds a PhD from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and has authored many articles on distributed systems technologies for enterprise computing.
Founder
,
Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
Former UK First Lady
Cherie Blair CBE KC is a leading King’s Counsel, committed campaigner for women’s rights and wife of the former British Prime Minister. Cherie set up the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in 2008 to support women in low and middle income countries to start, sustain and grow successful businesses so that they can be financially independent, have a stronger voice in their societies, and contribute to their communities and economies. She is also founder of Omnia Strategy, a pioneering international law firm that provides strategic counsel to governments, corporates and private clients. Cherie is an advocate and ambassador for women entrepreneurs globally, working tirelessly to encourage the private sector, governments and civil society to do more to support women business owners. She generously gives her time, expertise and resources to advance women's economic empowerment through the Foundation, travelling to visit our projects and partners, building collaborations, inspiring change and mobilising what's needed to close the gender gap in business ownership. Cherie was awarded a CBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List for services to women’s issues and to charities in both the UK and overseas.
Chair, Global Board of Directors
,
Deloitte
<span lang="en-AE" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Anna Marks is Chair of the Deloitte Global Board of Directors, responsible for leading the Deloitte Global Board in its role to govern and oversee the most significant matters that influence the strategic priorities and operations for Deloitte globally.</span> <span lang="en-AE">Anna is dedicated to driving responsible growth and positive societal impact through collaboration, effective governance and ethical leadership. She is passionate about the role of boards in building trust and resilience in a changing world - by providing constructive oversight and collaborating across their ecosystems to create long-term value for all.  She is a thought leader on topics including board performance, impact and organisational resilience.</span> <span lang="en-AE">Anna is also an active member of several advisory boards including the B20 International Advisory Caucus, the British American Business International Advisory Board and the World Economic Forum Community of Chairpersons. </span><span lang="en-GB">Anna is also a fellow and former board member of the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in the UK. </span><span lang="en-AE">Prior to becoming the Deloitte Global Chair, Anna held leadership, board and executive roles for Deloitte North & South Europe (NSE) and Deloitte UK. She also has 20 years’ experience as a practicing audit partner.</span>
Vice President of Learning
,
ALX
<div> <p data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Dr. Jaco Jansen van Rensburg shapes and oversees a comprehensive portfolio of learning initiatives as Vice President of Learning at ALX, driven by a clear mission to unlock work opportunities for millions of young Africans. He guides diverse teams that develop and deliver impactful programs, ranging from equipping learners with essential, real-world digital and AI skills, Data Analytics, Data Science, and cloud computing to designing and delivering tailored corporate training solutions aligned with emerging industry needs.</p> </div> <div> With deep expertise grounded in mathematical modelling, optimisation, machine learning, engineering processes, and strategic management - including a PhD and an MBA - Jaco combines technical insight with practical business leadership. In addition to his responsibilities at ALX, Jaco serves on the advisory board of the South African AI Association, contributing to discussions around responsible AI integration and education policy. </div> <div></div>
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?
Innovation Factory in the news
Our sponsors
Innovation Factory Local Chapters
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Our sponsors

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 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva (7 to 10 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.