The government has opened applications for three flagship Global Impact Challenges under India-AI Impact Summit 2026, offering a total prize pool of Rs 5.85 crore. Announced by Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the initiatives aim to identify and nurture innovative AI-driven solutions with significant social and economic impact. Applications are open until October 31, 2025, through the official summit portal:impact.indiaai.gov.in.
These challenges will provide innovators access to mentorship, investors, and a global platform to scale their ideas. The selected participants will showcase their solutions at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled from February 19–20, 2026, in New Delhi.
1. AI for All: Global Impact Challenge
AI for All seeks AI solutions with high potential to address pressing national and global issues. Key sectors include Agriculture, Climate & Sustainability, Education, Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Urban Infrastructure & Mobility, along with a Wildcard/Open Innovation category.
Awards and Support:
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Top 10 winners to receive up to Rs 2.5 crore.
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Travel support for 20 finalists to attend the India-AI Impact Summit.
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Access to mentorship, investor connects, cloud/compute credits, and post-summit accelerator programs.
Eligibility: Open globally to students, researchers, professionals, companies, and startups with AI solutions at pilot stage or ready to scale.
2. AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge
AI by HER focuses on women-led AI innovations, organized by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with knowledge partners. Participants can propose AI solutions in Agriculture, Cybersecurity & Digital Wellbeing, Education, Healthcare, Energy & Climate, and an Open Innovation track.
Awards and Support:
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Top 10 winners to share awards worth Rs 2.5 crore.
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Travel support for up to 30 finalists.
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Virtual bootcamps on Responsible AI, Investor Readiness, and Storytelling.
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Curated investor engagements for up to 30 high-potential teams.
Eligibility: Open globally to women-led teams, student teams, or women-led entities with a working prototype or mature AI solution.
3. YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge
YUVAi is a youth-focused initiative encouraging innovators aged 13–21 years to develop AI solutions for public good. Suggested themes include empowering communities, transforming key sectors, and building future-ready smart ecosystems.
Awards and Support:
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Total prizes of Rs 85 lakh, including Rs 15 lakh each for the top 3 winners.
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Travel support for 20 participants to attend the Summit.
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10-day virtual bootcamps, investor showcase opportunities, and a permanent online compendium.
Eligibility: Open globally to young innovators aged 13–21 with working prototypes, POCs, or deployable solutions.
How to Apply:
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Visit the Official Portal: Go to www.impact.indiaai.gov.in and select the Global Impact Challenge you want to apply for: AI for All, AI by HER, or YUVAi.
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Check Eligibility: Read the detailed eligibility criteria for your chosen challenge to ensure you qualify.
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Prepare Your Application: Gather required information about your AI solution, including working prototypes, project description, team details, and any supporting documents.
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Fill Out the Online Form: Complete the online application form on the portal. Make sure all fields are filled accurately.
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Submit Consent & Declarations: Review and submit all consent forms, declarations, and agreements as instructed.
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Submit Your Application: Double-check all information, then submit your application before October 31, 2025.
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Track Updates: Keep checking the portal for announcements regarding shortlisting, virtual bootcamps, and final selection.
Key Dates and Application Process
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Applications Open: October 10, 2025
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Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
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Virtual Bootcamps: November 2025
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Finalists Announced: December 31, 2025
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Grand Showcase: February 16–20, 2026, New Delhi
Applicants can submit entries via the official portal www.impact.indiaai.gov.in, where detailed instructions, eligibility criteria, and FAQs are available.
