SDG Design Challenge 2026: Reimagining a Sustainable Future with AI

What if the next breakthrough for sustainable development came from youth-led innovation powered by artificial intelligence?

From January 24–30, 2026, ambitious young changemakers from around the world will come together for the SDG Design Challenge—a seven-day virtual experience designed to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This is more than a hackathon. It’s a global platform for learning, collaboration, and action.

January 24–30, 2026 | Virtual Event
$50,000 USD in prizes for sustainable solutions

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About the SDG Design Challenge

The SDG Design Challenge brings together youth, mentors, technologists, and sustainability leaders to reimagine what a sustainable future can look like—and to start building it now.

Across one intensive week, participants will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, co-creating solutions with the support of artificial intelligence tools, expert mentorship, and hands-on workshops. The most promising ideas will compete for $50,000 USD in prizes and opportunities to join partnered accelerator programs to scale impact beyond the event.

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What to Expect: From Vision to Action

The Challenge is structured around a powerful three-phase journey:

Dream

Before the hacking begins, participants are invited to submit their visions and aspirations for a sustainable future, setting the foundation for bold, purpose-driven solutions.

Hack

During the event week, teams prototype solutions using AI-powered tools, applying creativity, data, and emerging technology to tackle real sustainability challenges.

Build

In the final phase, teams refine their prototypes and transform them into commitments for action, with pathways to deploy solutions in the real world.

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Learn from Global Leaders

Participants will hear from and engage with leading voices at the intersection of AI and sustainability, including:

• Ann Molin, Founder & CEO, Hack for Earth

• Shawn Zhu, Founder, NextGenNav

• Derin Ege Sezigin, President, SDG Youth Connect

These keynote speakers—alongside mentors and workshop facilitators—will share insights on innovation, impact, and scaling solutions for global change.

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Event Agenda Highlights

• Pre-Event (January 22, 2026):
  Meet & Match networking to form teams, participant Q&A sessions

• Day 1:
  Opening ceremony, onboarding, workshops (details to be announced)

• Throughout the Week:
  Mentorship sessions, hands-on workshops, team collaboration

• Day 7:
  Final presentations, closing ceremony, and next-step opportunities

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Who Should Join?

Participants:
Youth innovators passionate about sustainability, technology, and social impact. No matter your background, if you’re ready to collaborate and create, this challenge is for you.

Mentors:
We’re looking for experts in:

• Global sustainability

• Artificial intelligence

• Scaling impact and solution acceleration

Mentors play a critical role in guiding teams and strengthening real-world viability.

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Why Register?

By joining the SDG Design Challenge, you gain:

• Access to workshops and expert mentorship

• Opportunities to collaborate with a global network of changemakers

• Eligibility for $50,000 USD in prizes

• A chance to secure a spot in partnered accelerator programs

• The experience of turning ideas into deployable solutions

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Registration Details

• Participant registration open until: January 21, 2026

• Mentor applications open until: January 21, 2026

Spots are limited—early registration is encouraged.

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Partner With Us

We’re proud to collaborate with an outstanding group of forward-thinking organizations supporting innovation for sustainable development. Interested in becoming a sponsor or partner? Join us in empowering the next generation of impact-driven leaders.

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Join Us This January

The future of sustainability needs bold thinkers, collaborative builders, and courageous leaders.

Secure your spot now and be part of a global movement using AI to design solutions for a better world.

Register now for the SDG Design Challenge 2026.

APPLY NOW

FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE