Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026–27
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – AI for Good
📌About the Event
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026–27 is a global youth robotics competition by ITU’s AI for Good programme. It encourages students to design, build, and program robots that solve real-world challenges using AI and robotics. The 2026–27 edition is focused on health emergencies, giving young innovators a chance to apply STEM skills for social impact. The challenge includes national/regional rounds, online participation options, and a Grand Finale during the AI for Good Global Summit 2027.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Theme: AI and robotics solutions for real-world challenges, with the 2026–27 edition focused on health emergencies.
- Organized By: International Telecommunication Union (ITU), under the AI for Good initiative
- Mode of Conduct:
- In-person through National or Regional Local Chapter Events, where available
- Online/video submission option for participants without a physical event in their country or region
- Grand Finale: AI for Good Global Summit 2027
- Grand Finale Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Target Audience: School students and young innovators interested in robotics, AI, coding, STEM, and social impact
- Competition Format:
- Participants design, build, and program a robot to complete a mission based on a selected global challenge.
- The competition is platform-agnostic, meaning teams are not restricted to a mandatory robotics kit and may source hardware locally.
📅 Important Dates
- Official Launch of 2026–27 Edition: 10 July 2026
- Applications Close for Organizing Local Chapter Events: 1 September 2026
- Local Chapters Announcement: 30 September 2026
- Competition Qualifying Phase: July 2026 to April 2027
- Video Submission Deadline for Online Participation: 1 April 2027
- Announcement of Best Online and National Teams: May 2027
- Grand Finale at AI for Good Global Summit 2027: 22–25 June 2027
- Launch of 2027–28 Edition: 25 June 2027
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Eligibility:
- Open to students and young innovators aged 10 to 18 years.
- Participants can compete through a National/Regional Event if a Local Chapter is available in their country or region.
- If no physical event is available, participants can prepare independently and submit their result through video format.
- Age Categories:
- Junior Category: Born between 2016 and 2012
- Senior Category: Born between 2011 and 2008
- Rules:
- Participants must design, build, and program a robot for the given challenge mission.
- The robot should offer a practical solution inspired by real-world social problems.
- The challenge allows flexible hardware choices and does not require one fixed robotics kit.
- Use of locally available hardware and sustainable/recycled materials is encouraged.
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Grand Finale Ticket: Selected national winners can represent their country at the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge Grand Finale.
- AI for Good Global Summit Access: Finalists get complimentary access/pass benefits for the summit.
- Exhibition Opportunity: Teams may showcase their projects at the Youth Zone/AI for Good Summit exhibition space.
- Networking: Opportunity to connect with UN representatives, global partners, innovators, and technology leaders.
- Media Exposure: Selected teams can gain global visibility through media coverage and AI for Good platforms.
- Learning Benefits: Students gain hands-on experience in robotics, AI, teamwork, problem-solving, project management, critical thinking, and future-ready STEM skills.