London, UK – 18 June 2026 – Teens in AI, a social impact-driven initiative inspiring young people across 100+ countries to explore futures in responsible technology and AI, announces the return of its global AI4Good Incubator, taking place from 10 to 14 August 2026.
Now in its fifth year, the AI4Good Incubator is a week-long global virtual bootcamp for teens aged 12–18, who work in diverse teams to develop ethical, AI-driven solutions to the world’s most pressing climate challenges, taking inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Open to all – regardless of prior experience or background – the programme equips young people with the tools, mentorship and expert guidance they need to become change-makers in their communities.
2026 marks a significant milestone in the programme’s growth. Following the launch of its first in-person event in 2025, Teens in AI will this year host two in-person programmes – in the Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa, and in Germany – alongside the global virtual bootcamp.
Inclusion sits at the core of everything Teens in AI does. Last year, 84% of participants were from diverse ethnic backgrounds* and 57% identified as girls or other under-represented groups – because better representation builds better solutions.
This year’s theme, “Guardians of Earth: Reimagining Climate, Oceans and Nature“, focuses on SDGs 13, 14 and 15: taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources; and protecting and restoring ecosystems on land, halting biodiversity loss and managing forests sustainably.
Teens in AI Founder and CEO, Elena Sinel, comments: “We are four years from the 2030 deadline and the data is unambiguous – the world is not moving fast enough. What gives me hope is the generation coming through our programmes. Young people are not paralysed by the scale of these challenges; they are energised by them. I have watched participants go from curious teenagers to confident innovators, and I have no doubt they are part of what saves us.“
The 2025 UN SDG Progress Report** makes sobering reading. With just four years remaining until the 2030 deadline, only 35% of SDG targets are on track or making moderate progress, while 48% are advancing too slowly, and 18% have regressed below 2015 baseline levels. Across SDGs 13, 14 and 15 specifically, 2023 was the warmest year on record and saw climate records broken across major indicators; only 8.4% of the ocean is protected against a global target of 30% by 2030; and more than 48,600 species are threatened with extinction. These are not abstract statistics; they represent the world today’s young people will inherit.
Over the five days, participants will ideate, build and refine their projects with expert mentors before pitching to senior leaders for feedback and the chance to win prizes.
The transformative potential of the programme is captured by Reatlegile, a 16-year-old alumnus from South Africa. After joining the AI4Good Incubator in 2024, he has since appeared on national television, pursued advanced AI opportunities, and has been accepted by MIT for its summer 2026 programme! His experience, in his own words: “The AI4Good Incubator changed the course of my life – and opened up possibilities I never imagined were possible for someone like me, including a place at MIT. The programme did not just teach me about AI – it changed the way I see myself and what I believed was possible. Working alongside teammates from around the world, tackling real problems that actually matter, showed me that young people have the power to make a genuine difference. I left that week thinking differently, and I have not stopped since.”
The programme runs for five full days from 09:00–17:00 BST. A participation fee applies, with Grants available to eligible students. To find out more or to register, visit our AI4Good Incubator programme page.
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Notes:
* Diverse ethnic backgrounds = Black/African American, Hispanic, Latino/Spanish, Middle Eastern/North African and Asian; the balance includes ‘Other Ethnic Background’ not stated, ‘Prefer Not To Say’, and White/Caucasian.
- The report found that only 35% of SDG targets are on track or making moderate progress towards 2030, while 48% are progressing too slowly and 18% have regressed below 2015 baseline levels.
- SDGs 13, 14 & 15: Figures include: 2023 as the warmest year on record with climate records broken across major indicators (SDG 13); 8.4% of the ocean protected against a target of 30% by 2030 (SDG 14); and more than 48,600 species threatened with extinction (SDG 15).
About Teens in AI
Teens in AI is a multi-award-winning global initiative launched in 2018 at the United Nations AI for Good Global Summit. Active in more than 100 countries, it equips young people aged 13 to 18 with the skills, confidence, and understanding needed to design responsible AI solutions that address societal challenges. The organisation delivers hands-on learning through global hackathons, live programmes, and its AI Adventures online, self-paced MOOC courses, enabling young people to explore AI concepts, collaborate with peers and industry experts, and develop projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Teens in AI also provides training for teachers on the safe and ethical use of AI systems, supporting schools to integrate AI literacy across the curriculum. Committed to a more diverse and equitable tech ecosystem, Teens in AI prepares the next generation for an AI-driven future.
For more information, please contact:
Media enquiries: Bev Chislett, Head of Marketing, Teens in AI bev.chislett@teensinai.com
Website: www.teensinai.com
AI Adventures Learning Platform: https://learn.teensinai.com/
