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AI and Space Computing Challenge

The ITU AI and Space Computing Challenge is an international competition leveraging space computing and AI to address global challenges

Apply now

Application open until 30 January 2026

Our global mission

The challenge is positioned as an international technology exchange platform focusing on “space computing + AI + sustainable human development”. The goal is to advance space intelligence-enabled innovative solutions for food production, water quality, and resilient urban environments.

This challenge promotes the integration of space computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovative, impact-driven solutions that contribute to global progress and support the AI for Good initiative

Our global mission

The challenge is positioned as an international technology exchange platform focusing on “space computing + AI + sustainable human development”. The goal is to advance space intelligence-enabled innovative solutions for food production, water quality, and resilient urban environments.

This challenge promotes the integration of space computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovative, impact-driven solutions that contribute to global progress and support the AI for Good initiative

Rules and eligibility
  • Eligibility & team size
    The competition is open to global researchers, industry, and developers, with clear rules for team formation.
  • Submission & IP rights
    All submitted works must be original and complete. The intellectual property rights belong to your team.
  • Fair play & data use
    Rules against cheating, code sharing, and restrictions on how competition data may be utilized.
  • Compliance & legal
    Entries must comply with all national laws and ensure they do not infringe upon any patents or other IP rights.
Three challenge tracks
The competition is structured around three critical global issues. Participants may compete in multiple tracks in the preliminary round.
Food production

Food production

Develop an AI/ML-driven crop classification algorithm and a crop yield estimation solution using remote sensing data in space computing environments.

Water quality

Water quality

Develop an AI/ML algorithm to accurately classify inland lake and river water turbidity and estimate suspended sediment concentration.

Resilient urban environments

Resilient urban environments

Develop an AI/ML-driven Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessment algorithm and a Land Surface Temperature (LST) inversion solution.

Event schedule
The competition timeline is structured into four main phases, guiding teams from initial registration through to the final awards ceremony and satellite implementation opportunity.
  • Jan 2026
    Launch & Registration

    Event Lead-Up/Preparation

    Nov 1 – Dec 30, 2025

    Registration Deadline

    Jan 30, 2026

  • Feb 13, 2026
    Preliminary Phase

    Model Submission Deadline

    Mar 22, 2026

    Semi-Finalist Announcement

    Mar 22 – Apr 5, 2026

  • Apr 2026
    Semi-Finals & Final Review

    Model Validation Deadline

    Apr 30, 2026

    Proposal Submission Deadline

    May 10, 2026

    Final Review Period

    May 11 – Jul 1, 2026

  • Jul 2026
    Results & Awards Ceremony

    The winners are announced during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026

    July 7-10, 2025

Awards & unique opportunity
The competition features a substantial total prize pool of CHF 39,000 distributed across the three tracks, in addition to the unique satellite validation opportunity. Winning teams also receive end-to-end support from Zhejiang Lab for putting their algorithms into orbit and implementing their solutions in reality.
  • Gold Prize: CHF 3,000
    The top team in each track wins CHF 3,000, achieving the highest combined algorithmic and proposal score.
  • Silver Prize: CHF 1,000
    Three teams per track will be awarded CHF 1,000 for high performance in the technical competition.
  • Bronze Prize: CHF 800
    Five teams per track will receive CHF 800 for strong submissions and innovative proposals.
  • Innovation Award: CHF 300
    Ten winners per track will be granted CHF 300, based solely on the originality and merit of their proposals.
Awards & unique opportunity
The competition features a substantial total prize pool of CHF 39,000 distributed across the three tracks, in addition to the unique satellite validation opportunity. Winning teams also receive end-to-end support from Zhejiang Lab for putting their algorithms into orbit and implementing their solutions in reality.
  • Gold Prize: CHF 3,000
    The top team in each track wins CHF 3,000, achieving the highest combined algorithmic and proposal score.
  • Silver Prize: CHF 1,000
    Three teams per track will be awarded CHF 1,000 for high performance in the technical competition.
  • Bronze Prize: CHF 800
    Five teams per track will receive CHF 800 for strong submissions and innovative proposals.
  • Innovation Award: CHF 300
    Ten winners per track will be granted CHF 300, based solely on the originality and merit of their proposals.
Competition structure & resources
  • Judging criteria
    The final score for the top prizes is a combination of the Algorithmic Competition (70%) and the Proposal Competition (30%).
  • Innovation award evaluation
    The Innovation Award is granted independently, based solely on the originality and merit of the submitted proposal.
  • Competition systems
    Submissions are handled through the AI for Good Competition Platform and the Ingenuity Cup Competition Platform.
  • Technical validation platform
    Computational and data resources for model validation are provided by the zero2x platform.
Organizers and governance
This competition is hosted by a diverse group of international and national organizations, overseen by expert committees.
  • International hosts
    The event is co-hosted by the ITU (UN agency) and the Zhejiang Lab (ZJ Lab), ensuring global and technical leadership.
  • Key collaborators
    The organizational team includes support from CBAS, CAICT, and the Zhijiang Development Foundation.
  • Organizing committee
    Chaired by an expert from the ITU, this committee provides the overall strategic direction, approves the budget, and resolves disputes.
  • Judging committee
    A panel of 12-15 invited international experts from top universities and organizing bodies are responsible for scoring and recommending the final winners.
Register your team today

Don’t miss your chance to put your algorithms into orbit and leverage space computing to solve the world’s most critical challenges.

The registration window is only open from December 1 to January 30, 2026. Join the global movement, compete for a share of the CHF 39,000 prize pool, and make a tangible impact through innovative, real-world solutions.

Apply now

Application open until 30 January 2026

Register your team today

Don’t miss your chance to put your algorithms into orbit and leverage space computing to solve the world’s most critical challenges.

The registration window is only open from December 1 to January 30, 2026. Join the global movement, compete for a share of the CHF 39,000 prize pool, and make a tangible impact through innovative, real-world solutions.

Apply now

Application open until 30 January 2026

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