A flexible, self-paced learning journey built around practical activities.
Short guided sessions introduce the challenge, AI concepts, and responsible innovation.
Teams collaborate to design and develop solutions with mentor support.
Projects are shared locally and globally, with recognition for creativity and impact.
Students aged 13–18 from any background. No prior AI experience is required.
Schools, libraries, and organisations hosting student teams locally.
Professionals supporting student teams or the programme globally.
Designed for young people, with adult supervision and clear safeguarding principles.
Communication spaces are moderated, and a clear code of conduct applies throughout.
Schools and parents can support teams locally.
have taken part since 2020, tackling real-world challenges inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Exact dates vary by location. Full details are shared after sign-up.
Inspiration Week plus challenge introduction
Design Sprints in schools and communities (local or virtual)
Bootcamp Week workshops and mentor support
Global Techathon and Demo Day (projects shared and recognised)
Choose how you’d like to take part.
Take part in a global challenge, build skills, and collaborate with peers worldwide.
No AI or coding experience needed
Work in a team on a real-world challenge
Share your project and celebrate your impact
Host a local Techathon and support student teams in your community.
Run it in a school, library, or community space
Use our resources to guide teams step-by-step
Celebrate locally and connect into the global moment
Support teams with technical, design, or industry expertise during the build and pitch stages.
Coach teams through ideas, prototyping, and presentation
Help students think critically and responsibly
Flexible commitment, guided by our mentor briefing
Support global delivery, reach diverse learners, and contribute to meaningful impact.
Enable access for underserved communities
Support mentoring, prizes, or programme delivery
Align with UN SDGs and responsible innovation
Through the Techathon journey, you will gain:
During this programme, teens from around the world will participate in local techathons. Teams will develop and pitch a project that tackles one of the assigned United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The best projects are selected from each local techathon and entered into the Global Judging pool to determine the overall winners.
Selected teams from across the world will join virtual sessions with international mentors and speakers to deepen their prototyping using relevant tools and refine their solution through feedback, iteration, and peer reviews.
The Global Demo Day will invite team finalists to pitch their project for the chance to be selected as an overall Global Winner. A panel of expert judges help us in making this decision.
Join young people from around the world in the IWD Global Techathon.
Build core skills in AI, coding, and ethics through guided teen-friendly learning.
Develop impact-driven projects using AI to tackle real global challenges.
Work in global teams to design AI solutions that support equity and inclusion.
Explore AI ethics and leadership with peers through live discussions.
