International Competition

International AI Challenge

The region's most prestigious student AI competition — where the next generation of AI innovators compete for glory, mentorship, and career-defining opportunities.

20+Universities

100+Teams Expected

LKR 1M+Prize Pool

Roadmap

Competition Timeline

Follow the journey from abstract submission to the Grand Finale. Expand each phase for detailed requirements.

Official Launch & Registration Opens

1 July 2026

Competition officially announced
University registration opens
Online briefing sessions for lecturers and team leaders
Release of competition handbook and rules

Project Development Phase

1 August – 31 August 2026

Teams identify real-world problems and conduct research
AI model development and prototype creation
Mentoring sessions, technical workshops, and Q&A clinics
One-page A4 proposal summary submission

Concept Paper Submission

1 December – 15 December 2026

Problem Statement
Proposed AI Solution
Project Summary
Implementation Approach
Expected Impact

Evaluation & Shortlisting

16 December – 30 December 2026

Independent judging panel evaluates all submissions
Assessment criteria: Innovation, Feasibility, AI Implementation, Social & Economic Impact, Scalability, Sustainability, Presentation Quality
Top 20 teams selected for the Grand Finale

Top 20 Teams Announced

31 December 2026

Top 20 finalist teams officially announced
Finalist teams receive briefing sessions and Grand Finale guidelines
Only shortlisted teams continue to the final stage

Final Development & Mentoring

1 January – 25 January 2027

Intensive Mentoring Sessions
Prototype Refinement
Business Model Development
Pitch Coaching
Demo Preparation
Exhibition Booth Preparation

Final Submission

26 January 2027

Working Prototype
Final Report
Pitch Deck
5-Minute Demonstration Video

Grand Finale

30 January 2027

Innovation Expo exhibition
10-minute live presentation
Q&A session with the judging panel
Working prototype demonstration
Networking with investors, industry leaders, and recruiters

Guidelines

Participation Rules

Eligibility

State Universities: Students enrolled in recognized Sri Lankan state universities.
Private Universities: Students enrolled in recognized private universities and institutes in Sri Lanka.
International: Students from invited international universities.

Team Composition

Each university team should consist of 5 core members, with a maximum of 7 student members per team. International teams may be guided by one academic or industry mentor.

International Guidelines

International teams follow the same rules, submission process, and judging criteria. They are encouraged to develop AI-powered solutions that address meaningful challenges within their own countries and communities.

Challenge Areas

Agriculture & Food Security

Education & Skills Development

Healthcare & Public Health

Tourism & Destination Promotion

Public Transport & Mobility

Disaster Management

Small Business Development

Governance & Public Services

Digital Economy & Innovation

Prizes

Awards & Recognition

Grand Prize

Awarded to the team that demonstrates the strongest combination of AI innovation and real-world impact.

Prize

LKR 333,333

Best Individual

Awarded to the most outstanding student participant across all competing universities.

Prize

LKR 333,333

Institutional Award

Organizing University Leadership Award for advancing AI innovation.

Prize

LKR 333,333