AI Innovation Challenge 2026
Theme: Owning Your Future
A digital innovation challenge open to girls and young women across the world.
About the Challenge
The AI Innovation Challenge 2026, organized by Qavaa Innovate, is a digital innovation challenge open to girls and young women across the world. Participants identify a real problem in their community, or an opportunity for business, and use AI tools to design a practical solution, then submit a prototype and a 180-second video pitch to a judging panel.
The challenge is designed to empower girls across the world to become confident problem-solvers, using AI and technology to transform ideas into practical solutions, regardless of where they live.
Purpose
To empower girls across the world to become confident problem-solvers, using AI and technology to transform ideas into practical solutions, regardless of where they live.
Who Can Participate
Open to girls and young women aged 15 to 24. Participation is individual or in a team, and registration/participation is entirely digital.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must register for the Ignite Your Future 2026 event.
- Must be present either online or in person on the event day.
- Open to girls and young women aged 15–24 years.
- Must have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection.
- Must be ready to submit a 60-second video pitch before the submission deadline.
How the Challenge Works
Registration
Participants register for the challenge through the official portal .
Learning & Development
Participants receive the challenge rulebook and onboarding guides.
Submission
Submit a 180-second video pitch of your idea or prototype by the deadline.
Public Engagement
Optional: share your video on YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok with #GirlChildDayChallenge2026 and #IgniteYourFuture.
Judging
An independent panel reviews all submissions against the criteria. Deadline: October 3, 2026 (11:59 PM).
Celebration
Winners announced on October 10, 2026 during the main tech fair event. Participants must attend to receive prizes.
Judging Criteria
Value Proposition
The real-world value the idea generates, solving a genuine community problem, improving personal productivity, or generating income.
Use of AI & Technology
How intentionally the participant used AI and technology to support their specific goal, not just technology for its own sake.
Feasibility
How concrete, tangible, and close to production the idea or prototype is.
Challenge Objectives
01
Creativity & Critical Thinking
Encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through AI-powered innovation.
02
Confidence in AI Tools
Build confidence in using AI tools to design, prototype, and pitch a practical solution.
03
Equal Digital Platform
Give every participant, regardless of location, an equal digital platform to compete and showcase ideas.
04
AI for Social Impact
Promote the use of AI and technology for social impact and entrepreneurship.
05
Global Connection
Connect participants across countries through a shared challenge and celebration on the International Day of the Girl Child.
Awards & Prizes
🥇
1st Place
🥈
2nd Place
🥉
3rd Place
Challenge Timeline
Phase 1 – Launch & Registration
The AI Innovation Challenge 2026 officially launches on 3rd August 2026, marking the opening of the registration period for eligible participants. During this phase, applicants are invited to register for the competition and will receive the Challenge Guide, competition rules, AI learning resources, and other supporting materials. These resources are designed to help participants understand the challenge requirements and prepare for the journey ahead.
Phase 2 – AI Learning & Orientation
Throughout August, participants will take part in AI learning sessions, workshops, and orientation programmes designed to introduce the objectives of the challenge. They will learn about the AI tools available for use, the prototype development process, submission requirements, and judging criteria. Participants will also begin generating ideas, identifying real-world problems, and validating the solutions they intend to develop.
Phase 3 – Innovation & Prototype Development
Over a two-month innovation period, participants will transform their ideas into practical AI-powered solutions. They will identify real-world challenges, design and build functional prototypes, develop business models, create branding materials, and prepare compelling presentations. Throughout this phase, mentors will provide technical guidance, feedback, and support to help participants refine and strengthen their innovations before submission.
Phase 4 – Final Submission, Judging & Showcase
Final project submissions will close on 3 October 2026, after which an independent panel of judges will evaluate all eligible entries based on innovation, impact, feasibility, creativity, and the effective application of AI. The highest-performing teams will be selected as finalists and invited to showcase their solutions during the International Day of the Girl Child 2026 event, where the winners will be announced and recognised for their outstanding achievements.