Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge is a global educational robotics competition convened by the International Telecommunication Union’s AI for Good initiative, designed to engage young innovators in creating technology-based solutions to pressing societal issues. It invites students aged 10 to 18 from around the world to form teams, design, build and program robots that address real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including themes such as disaster response, food security and other context-specific missions set for each competition cycle. The challenge emphasises accessibility by encouraging the use of free, open-source hardware and software and promotes sustainable and inclusive approaches to robotics.
The programme operates through national and regional qualifying tournaments, where teams compete locally to earn a place at the Grand Finale, held at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva. At these events, young participants are judged on the innovation, functionality and societal impact of their robotic solutions, fostering skills in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), coding, critical problem-solving and collaboration.
Beyond competition, the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge offers pathways for students to connect with peers and mentors, participate in exhibitions, and engage with stakeholders from technology, education and international development sectors. Its intended outcomes include equipping youth with future-ready technical competencies, strengthening global networks of young innovators, and demonstrating how robotics and AI can be leveraged to advance sustainable, equitable solutions for communities worldwide.
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Application deadlines
1 September 2025: Deadline for applications to organise local or national Robotics for Good Youth Challenge events or chapters.
30 April 2026: Deadline for submission of applications/forms for the online component of the 2025-2026 edition.
Competition timeline
January - July 2025: Preparation phase including opening of registration/launch for the 2025-2026 challenge cycle.
1 October 2025 - 1 April 2026: Period for hosting national and regional qualifying events across participating countries.
Final Phase
May - July 2026: Final adjudication phase following qualifying events, with announcement of best online and national teams.
7 - 8 July 2026: Grand Finale at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva for top qualifying teams.
Repetition
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge is a recurring annual/bi-annual global robotics competition cycle tied to the AI for Good Summit schedule.
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Applicant status
Open to students; participation is structured for school-aged individuals.
Individuals may enter as teams or individuals depending on local event organisation.
Age requirements
Eligible age range is 10 to 18 years old for the main Robotics for Good Youth Challenge categories as defined by the organising body.
Age divisions are used (e.g., Junior and Senior categories based on year of birth).
Location or citizenship
Open globally to students from any country.
Participation may occur through national or regional qualifying events in a student’s country or via online submission where no local event is organised.
Field or background
No specific academic discipline is required.
Participants should be willing to engage in robotics design, building and programming activities connected to challenge missions.
Other conditions
Participants must comply with competition rules regarding original design and programming work.
Engagement in local or national qualifying events is subject to the requirements of the event organiser in each region.