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AI for Good Impact Awards

Celebrating AI excellence for innovative solutions solving global challenges

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Applications open on 12 January 2026

Following the success of its first edition, the AI for Good Impact Awards return in 2026 to celebrate exceptional achievements in the field of AI.

Organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the Impact Awards highlight how AI can be applied responsibly and effectively to solve real-world challenges, from improving human well-being to supporting sustainability and economic resilience.

By spotlighting transformative AI applications, the Impact Awards offer global recognition for impactful solutions that contribute to a better future for all. Winners will be honored at the AI for Good Impact Awards Ceremony, held during the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.

Awards categories

The AI for Good Impact Awards feature three categories,
honoring innovation and impact across various sectors.

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AI for People

Empowering individuals and communities through human-centered innovation
AI solutions that improve human well-being, enhance inclusion, and expand digital participation. From healthcare and education to accessibility and equality, these projects show how AI can create meaningful, measurable benefits for people and communities.

Examples of focus areas:

  • Health and well-being (AI for diagnosis, accessibility, assistive technologies)
  • Education and lifelong learning (personalized learning, language inclusion, teacher support)
  • Digital inclusion and equality (gender, disability, vulnerable populations, connectivity access)
  • Poverty reduction and food security (agricultural optimization, resource access)
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AI for Planet

Harnessing AI to protect the environment and advance sustainability
AI solutions that safeguard natural ecosystems, promote climate resilience, and support responsible resource use. From environmental monitoring and renewable energy optimization to biodiversity protection, these projects contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations.

Examples of focus areas:

  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection
  • Water management, circular economy, and pollution reduction
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AI for Prosperity

Building resilient and innovative economies through AI
AI initiatives that strengthen economies, foster sustainable growth, modernize industries, and enhance governance systems. From smart cities and industrial innovation to data-driven policy and infrastructure planning, these projects demonstrate how AI can power long-term prosperity, economic progress and institutional resilience.

Examples of focus areas

  • Sustainable cities and infrastructure
  • Economic growth
  • Industry and infrastructure innovation (smart manufacturing, logistics, energy efficiency)
  • Governance, justice, and peacebuilding through data-driven insight
Judging criteria
  • Innovation
    The solution introduces unique or innovative AI applications, technologies, or approaches to address key challenges.
  • Impact
    The solution delivers measurable societal, environmental, or economic benefits, demonstrates clear positive outcomes, and shows strong potential for scaling.
  • Contribution to global challenges
    The solution clearly aligns with the selected category and contributes to its objectives.
  • Sustainability
    The solution demonstrates responsible and efficient use of resources throughout its conception, development, and deployment, ensuring long-term viability and positive systemic impact.
  • Ethical considerations
    The solution adheres to ethical AI principles, including transparency, respect for privacy, and accountability in its design and deployment.
Eligibility
Applications are open to:
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Large corporations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Academic and research institutions
  • Government bodies
  • Individual contributors

Note: Startups are not eligible for the AI for Good Impact Awards. They are invited to apply to the AI for Good Innovation Factory startup competition.

Eligibility
Applications are open to:
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Large corporations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Academic and research institutions
  • Government bodies
  • Individual contributors

Note: Startups are not eligible for the AI for Good Impact Awards. They are invited to apply to the AI for Good Innovation Factory startup competition.

Awards Timeline

  • January
    Awards launch

    Call for applications

    12 January

  • March
    Submission phase

    Submission deadline

    15 March

  • March - May
    Evaluation phase

    Screening & shortlisting phase

    16 March - 1 May

  • May - June
    Finalists announcement

    Finalists announced

    11 May

    Presentation of the finalists to the public & final judging

    6 - 20 June

  • July
    Winners announcement

    Awards ceremony during the AI for Good Global Summit

    Finalists invited to attend the ceremony as winners will be announced on 8 July

2025 Winners

AI for People

CareNX Innovations Private Limited
AI-powered maternal health solutions for safer pregnancies

AI for Planet

WorldFish
Improving food security, nutrition, and livelihoods through sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

AI for Prosperity

Digital Green Foundation
Helping smallholder farmers thrive with personalized, real-time AI advice

Pro Bono Collaboration

Spring ACT – Action. Compassion. Technology.
Connecting human rights and AI to empower people to take action and eliminate global injustices
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FAQsFrequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the AI for Good Impact Awards?

The Awards are open to individuals, SMEs, large corporations, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government bodies from around the world. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Startups and early-stage companies are not eligible for the AI for Good Impact Awards. We invite them instead to apply for the AI for Good Innovation Factory startup competition.

Can we apply if our project is still in the design phase or only an MVP?

Yes. While it’s beneficial to have a fully working solution, early-stage projects such as MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) are welcome to apply, provided you can clearly articulate the potential impact (backed by initial results) the innovation behind your solution, and a clear pathway for scaling.

Can one organization submit multiple projects?

One organization can submit more than one application, providing they submit different projects to different categories.

I developed this project with partners or collaborators. Who should submit the application?

Collaborative projects are welcome. The primary applicant should be the organization or individual representing the project throughout the Awards process. You can and should credit all relevant collaborators in your application. They will all be equally recognized as finalists or winners should your project be selected. Only the entity applying will be eligible to receive the physical trophy at the Award ceremony.

What needs to be included in the application?

Your application should include a detailed description of your project, measured impact of your solution, supporting documentation, and any optional multimedia materials (e.g., pitch decks, demo videos). All applications must be submitted in English.

What are the Award categories?

There are three Award categories: AI for People, AI for Planet, and AI for Prosperity, each focusing on the ethical and impactful use of AI for societal benefit.

How many winners will be selected? Is there one per category?

Yes, typically, there will be one winner per category. The exact number may vary at the discretion of the organizers.

How are submissions judged?

Projects are evaluated by a panel of experts on innovation, impact, scalability, sustainability, relevance to global challenges, and ethical considerations. A weighted scoring rubric is used to ensure fairness.

Do I need to attend the event in person to receive an award?

Finalists are highly encouraged to attend the AI for Good Global Summit, but presence at the event is not mandatory to receive an award.

What qualifies a project for the Awards?

Eligible projects must:

  • Incorporate AI as a core component
  • Align with a specific global challenge
  • Be an existing solution with a proven impact (can be an MVP with results and
    potential for scaling)
  • Demonstrate responsible, safe, and sustainable use of AI

What if I don’t have demo videos or documents yet?

That’s okay. Explain your current solution and impact via the application form. Your narrative around design, collaboration, and impact is also highly valuable. A link to a working MVP or solution is also an excellent asset.

What do winners receive?

Awardees will receive:

  • A trophy and formal recognition
  • Visibility and promotion through AI for Good and Tech To The Rescue channels

Will I retain ownership of my project and materials?

Yes. You keep full ownership of your IP. However, by submitting, you grant the organizers the right to use your materials for promotional purposes, with appropriate credit.

Where can I find the official rules and deadlines?

You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Submission opens: 15 January 2026
Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CEST

Who can I contact for support?

For technical help or questions, email: aiawards@itu.int

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