Deadline: January 8, 2026
The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge 2026 is a global initiative designed to accelerate the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing economic inclusion, resilience, and opportunity for communities around the world. Organized by data.org in partnership with Zoom, this challenge seeks innovative, data-driven solutions that leverage AI to create meaningful social and economic impact.
About the Challenge
The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge 2026 calls on organizations worldwide to use AI to empower individuals, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable economic opportunities. This challenge aims to unlock the potential of AI for the public good by supporting teams that can demonstrate real-world, scalable applications addressing the most pressing economic challenges faced by communities globally.
Prizes and Benefits
At least five winning teams will be selected to receive both financial and in-kind support to implement their proposed AI-driven initiatives. Each selected project will receive:
- US $115,000 in grant funding
- Comprehensive in-kind support, which includes:
- Technical consulting and data science expertise
- AI and data training
- Access to software and infrastructure licenses
- Media, marketing, and communications support
- Capacity-building resources to enhance organizational readiness
These awards are intended to help winners scale their impact and accelerate the use of responsible AI to create inclusive and resilient economic opportunities.
Focus Areas
The challenge prioritizes proposals that use AI in innovative and inclusive ways to:
- Build AI workforce skills and strengthen organizational capacity
- Foster data-driven economic inclusion and resilience
- Support climate-ready communities and sustainable local economies
- Create future-focused jobs aligned with technological advancement
Projects must demonstrate measurable social impact and show how AI can be responsibly deployed to advance equity and opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria
This opportunity is open to organizations and teams worldwide, except those based in certain ineligible countries (including Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Yemen).
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organizations
- For-profit entities
- Governmental and academic institutions
All proposals must serve a charitable purpose and demonstrate a clear potential for societal benefit.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted in English through the official challenge portal. Applicants should clearly describe:
- The intended social and economic impact of their solution
- The use of AI as a core component of the project
- The beneficiaries and measurable outcomes
- The feasibility and scalability of the proposed solution
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed based on the following key criteria:
- Impact – The project’s ability to create meaningful economic opportunities
- Localism – The relevance and adaptability to local communities
- Responsible AI Use – Ethical, transparent, and inclusive design of AI applications
- Originality & Feasibility – Innovation and realistic implementation potential
- Scalability – Capacity to expand and sustain long-term impact
Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2026, at 11:00 PM UTC
- Shortlisted Applicants Notified: February 2026
- Final Awardees Announced: Q2 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early to ensure their proposal aligns with the challenge’s mission and eligibility requirements.
Why You Should Apply
This challenge offers a unique opportunity to join a global movement shaping how AI can be used for economic empowerment and inclusion. Winning teams will gain not only funding but also access to world-class support, networks, and technical resources — helping them bring transformative ideas to life and scale their social impact.
Ready to take part in this transformative global initiative?
👉 Apply Now
To learn more about the competition, eligibility, and guidelines, Read More About the Programme.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
