UNDP Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge 2027

The Youth AI4SDGs Impact Challenge 2027 is an open call run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with Tencent for youth-led teams in Asia and the Pacific that use artificial intelligence to tackle development problems. Selected grant recipients receive prize money of US$5,000 to US$10,000 (about ₹4.75 lakh to ₹9.5 lakh). The call does not publish a closing date, and shortlisted applicants will be contacted by March 2027. It is for organisations based in, and working in, an Asia-Pacific country where UNDP has a presence, and at least one founder must be aged 18 to 35.

What the program offers

Selected grant recipients receive prize money of US$5,000 to US$10,000 (about ₹4.75 lakh to ₹9.5 lakh) and in-person regional showcase opportunities. The source does not say how many teams are selected or how the money is paid.

Every participant gets more than money. The benefits listed are a regional training programme with connections to AI and digital transformation partners, visibility through UNDP communications, a chance to apply for free credits to leading AI tools, and access to Tencent's innovation network and technology experts.

Who can apply

All of these must be true. At least one founder or co-founder is aged 18 to 35 at the time of application. The organisation is based in, and delivers its solution in, a country in Asia and the Pacific where UNDP has a presence. The solution addresses at least one of four themes: digital public services; climate adaptation and environmental resilience (forecasting, monitoring and planning for farming, water, biodiversity, energy or climate risk); disaster risk reduction and peacebuilding (early warning, emergency response, humanitarian coordination); or disability inclusion (assistive technology and accessible services). AI must be a core part of how the solution delivers value. You must be past the idea level, with a working prototype, an MVP or a solution already tested with users. At least one founder must be able to join the online learning programme and later pitching opportunities.

Early-career startups, youth-led initiatives and non-profits qualify, and for-profit and non-profit organisations beyond the MVP level are welcome. Formal registration is encouraged but not required when you apply, as long as an unregistered team shows long-term commitment.

For India, UNDP's main outreach focus is Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. It says strong applications from other Asia-Pacific countries and territories are welcome, but the page does not list them. The source does not name India, so an Indian team should confirm eligibility with UNDP before investing time. It suits young founders with a working AI product in the public-interest areas above; it does not suit idea-only teams or founders all aged over 35.

How to apply

Read the call and the FAQ, then fill in the online application form. You will provide a pitch deck, a video response and your impact numbers. The video can be recorded on a smartphone; production quality is not judged, and the committee wants authentic, direct answers rather than a sales pitch. Applications cannot be changed after you submit, so check them first. Claims and figures must be backed by evidence, and false or misleading information can lead to disqualification. A practical tip: collect proof for your user and impact numbers before you start, because UNDP may verify them.

How applications are judged and what happens next

There is no interview. The review committee chooses teams on the quality and potential of the project shown in the application. UNDP may run verification and background checks on shortlisted applicants. Only shortlisted teams are contacted, by March 2027, and individual feedback or status updates are not provided. Dates are subject to change.

About UNDP and Tencent

UNDP is the United Nations' development agency and organises the programme, communications and showcases. Tencent, the technology company, contributes its innovation ecosystem and experts.

Things to check before you apply

• The call states no application deadline, so check the application page regularly and apply early.
• The source does not say where the in-person regional showcase will be held or whether travel is covered.
• The source does not say whether prize money is a grant or an investment; it calls selected teams grant recipients and the source mentions no equity.
• The source does not state an entry fee.