AI for Good Innovation Factory (2026-27)
ITU / AI for Good
ITU's year-long global pitching and acceleration competition for AI startups tackling development challenges, culminating in a Geneva Grand Finale. The 2026-27 cycle is accepting applications, with monthly pitch sessions from Sept 2026 and the Grand Finale at the June 2027 Geneva Summit.
Who it's really for. AI startups with a product aimed at a development or humanitarian problem, at roughly seed to Series A stage, anywhere in the world. ITU's Innovation Factory is a pitch competition rather than a grant, so it rewards teams that can tell a crisp story about impact and business model in front of judges. It is especially useful for founders in the Global South who want visibility with UN agencies and development funders.
What you get. Monthly pitch sessions from September 2026 to May 2027, a $20,000 prize for each finalist, and a slot at the Grand Finale during the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva in June 2027. The Geneva stage puts winners in front of ministers, UN leadership and corporate partners, which for most participants is worth more than the cash.
How to apply and what to watch. The 2026-27 cycle is accepting applications now, and because sessions are monthly you can apply at any point in the season; earlier is better for a shot at the finale. Keep the pitch to the problem, the evidence and the path to scale. Other ITU-linked opportunities on ImpactOpen include the AI for Good Scholars Program and the Zindi challenges run with ITU. See the full list on the challenges page.
- Deadline: Open — monthly pitch sessions from Sep 2026; Grand Finale Jun 2027
- Amount / value: $20,000 per finalist
- Geography: Global
- Focus: Cross-cutting
- Eligibility: AI startups addressing development challenges
- Last verified: Aug 22, 2026
Always confirm details and deadlines at the official source before applying. Hand-verified by ImpactOpen.