Inaugural cycle · 2026–27
Seven tiers, from the grand prize down to scored feedback for every team that submits. Everything here is digital and delivered by email.
Grand prizes
Grand prize
The grand prize winner of the inaugural International AI Startup Challenge — a placement no future cohort can hold.
Runner-up
Runner-up across the entire international field.
Third
Third place across the entire international field.
Every tier
Recognition runs all the way down the field. Every team that submits receives a full rubric breakdown and written reviewer comments.
Top 10 teams
Pitch live over video in a session scheduled around your time zone.
Top 20 teams
The highest-scoring teams in the world advance to the finals round.
Top 5%
Recognition for the strongest submissions across the full competition field.
Every team
Every team that submits receives their scores against all six criteria plus written comments from their reviewers. Most competitions never tell you why you placed where you did.
On cash prizes
Registration closes November 1, 2026. Free, open worldwide to students ages 13–18.