Apply for the ITU Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026 - 2027 - the UN-based global educational robotics championship from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under AI for Good. Young people design, build and program robots to solve real-world problems; this edition focuses on health emergencies in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Compete through a local chapter (where available) or submit a video online. Local-chapter organizer applications close 1 September 2026. Online video submissions close 1 April 2027. National winners head to the Grand Finale at the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva (22 - 25 June 2027).
Quick Facts - ITU Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026 - 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026 - 2027 |
| Organisation | International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - AI for Good |
| Theme | Health emergencies (with WHO) |
| Ages | About 10 - 18 - Junior (born 2016 - 2012) and Senior (born 2011 - 2008) |
| Team size | Up to 8 members |
| Format | In-person local chapters or online video submission (platform-agnostic; no mandatory kit) |
| Organizer deadline | 1 September 2026 (apply to host a Local Chapter) |
| Video deadline | 1 April 2027 (online participation) |
| Grand Finale | AI for Good Global Summit 2027 - Geneva, 22 - 25 June 2027 |
| Official page | aiforgood.itu.int - Robotics for Good |
What Is the Challenge?
Launched in April 2024, the Challenge promotes AI and robotics education worldwide so no one is left behind in the AI revolution. Teams design, build and program a robot for a mission tied to the annual global theme. It is platform-agnostic: there is no required kit, hardware can be sourced locally, and recycled/reused materials are encouraged.
Beyond coding and engineering, participants build teamwork, problem-solving, project management, critical thinking and information literacy.
Age Categories
- Junior: born 2016 - 2012
- Senior: born 2011 - 2008
How to Participate
- Local chapter (in person): Join a National/Regional Local Chapter Event if one exists in your country or region.
- Online: If there is no physical event, prepare independently and submit a competition video for judging by 1 April 2027.
- Host a chapter: Public and private organisations (including ministries) can apply to organise a Local Chapter Event focused on health emergencies - applications close 1 September 2026.
Key Timeline
- 10 July 2026: 2026 - 2027 edition official launch
- 1 September 2026: Local Chapter organizer applications close
- 30 September 2026: Local Chapters announced
- October 2026 - April 2027: Qualifying / national and regional events period
- 1 April 2027: Online video submissions close
- May 2027: Best online and national teams announced
- 22 - 25 June 2027: Grand Finale at AI for Good Global Summit 2027 (Geneva)
- 25 June 2027: Launch of the 2027 - 2028 edition
What Finalists Gain
- Grand Finale ticket to represent your country in Geneva
- Complimentary Discovery Pass access to the AI for Good Global Summit
- Youth Zone exhibition space and workshop access
- Networking with UN representatives and global partners
- Dedicated blog feature and international media exposure
- Hands-on STEM skills in robotics, AI and teamwork
Who Can Apply
- Innovative youth teams worldwide (roughly ages 10 - 18 per Junior/Senior birth years)
- Teams of up to eight members
- Schools, clubs, educators and youth organisations
- Organisations wanting to host a Local Chapter (government, private sector, ministries) - apply by 1 September 2026
How to Apply
- Read the official challenge page: Robotics for Good Youth Challenge.
- Check for a Local Chapter Event near you, or prepare for online video submission.
- Organisations: review the Organizers Guidelines (PDF) and apply to host by 1 September 2026 via the official page.
- Follow ITU announcements for registration forms, national event calendars and video-submission instructions.
Official Links
ITU AI for Good - Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Presidential Digital Talent Programme 2026 - Cohort XI
- EU Youth Sounding Board (YSB) Kenya 2026
- GEAF Ambassador Programme 2027
- 12 Study Abroad Scholarships Currently Open - August 18, 2026
- Browse all competitions
FAQs - ITU Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026 - 2027
What is this year’s theme?
Health emergencies, developed with WHO.
Do I need a specific robotics kit?
No. The challenge is platform-agnostic. Source hardware locally; recycled materials are welcome.
What if my country has no local event?
Prepare independently and submit a video by 1 April 2027 for online judging.
When is the Grand Finale?
At the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, 22 - 25 June 2027.
Can my organisation host a chapter?
Yes. Public and private organisations may apply to organise a Local Chapter by 1 September 2026.
