Beyond Green: AI for a Thriving Future Pitch Competition invites participants to explore how AI can foster a thriving future by regenerating the planet, building a sustainable economy, an promoting societal well-being

In collaboration with UNESCO and ETDA, this competition invites participants to develop innovative AI-driven solutions aimed at addressing critical challenges across environmental, economic, and societal domains. Whether it’s combating climate change, building a sustainable economy, or enhancing societal well-being, we are looking for practical, scalable solutions with the power to make a real-world impact.

We encourage the submission of early-stage prototypes or concepts that can be further developed, focusing on real-world application and long-term sustainability.

Who Can Participate?

The Beyond Green AI Pitch Competition is open to:

• Students from high school to PhD level
• Participants from any country
• Individuals or teams (up to 5 members)

Whether you’re an AI expert or new to the field, we welcome innovative ideas using AI to tackle sustainability and societal challenges.

• No prior AI experience required, but AI must be central to your solution.
• Travel compensation is available for finalists in the final round.

Competition Subthemes

Participants must align their AI-driven solutions with one of these three core subthemes:

1. Regenerating the Planet – AI solutions tackling climate change, pollution, conservation, and environmental restoration.
2. Sustainable & Inclusive Economy – AI-driven tools that enhance economic sustainability, promote resource efficiency, and empower grassroots communities.
3. Societal Well-Being – AI applications that improve accessibility, combat misinformation, enhance public safety, and strengthen social resilience.

Submission Categories

Regardless of which subtheme your project aligns with, your AI solution should fit into one of these categories:

• AI-Powered Applications & Prototypes
  Functional AI-driven tools, apps, or platforms tackling sustainability and societal challenges.
  Example: An AI-powered carbon footprint tracker for businesses.
• AI-Augmented Decision Making
  AI tools that assist policymakers, businesses, or individuals by analyzing complex data for sustainability-related decisions.
  Example: AI-powered logistics optimization for reducing carbon emissions.
• AI-Generated Models
  AI models that create visualizations, educational content, or simulations to predict and raise awareness of environmental or societal issues.
  Example: A generative AI tool for interactive climate change education.
• AI-Driven Data Platforms & Networks
  AI-enhanced platforms that structure, analyze, and visualize sustainability-related data for better decision-making.
  Example: An AI-powered platform tracking and predicting air pollution trends.

Competition Stages

Round 1: 1-Page Concept Submission

📅 Submission Deadline: 18 April 2025

What to include:

• Title of your AI-driven solution – A concise and descriptive title.
• Problem Statement and Objectives – Briefly describe the challenge or issue your solution aims to address in line with one of the competition's subthemes.
• Alignment with Sub-Themes & UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI
• Expected Impact and Ethical Consideration – Discuss the social, environmental, or economic impact your solution could have.
• Feasibility of the AI Solution – Explain why your idea is technically feasible or how you plan to address challenges to bring it to life.

Submission Format:

• 1 A4 page in PDF format (max).
• Diagrams or visuals are optional.
• The solution must be new and never submitted to another competition or event.

Round 2: Online Presentation & Poster Submission

📅 Round 2 Announcement: 2 May 2025
📅 Submission Deadline: 12 May 2025‍

What to include:

• Proof of Concept (PoC) – Demonstrate that your idea is technically feasible through a demo or simulation.
• Developmental Roadmap – Outline the next steps for development, including milestones, challenges, and resources needed.
• Impact Potential – Explain how your solution could scale and be applied in real-world scenarios.

Round 3: Final Pitch

📅 Round 3 Announcement: 24 May 2025
📅 Final Pitch Day: 24 June 2025

📅 Final Result Announcement: 26 June 2025 at the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025

What to include:

• Demo or Prototype – Showcase a working model or refined concept.
• Scalability – Explain how the solution can scale technologically or in terms of market adoption.
• Impact – Demonstrate the expected social, environmental, or economic benefits of the solution.

Submission Guidelines

• Round 1: Submit a structured 1-page proposal (PDF format).
• Round 2: Online 5-minute presentation + digital poster.
• Round 3: Live pitch with an interactive Q&A.

Judging Criteria

• Clarity of the Problem Statement and Objectives
• Innovation and Originality
• Alignment with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI
• Alignment with Competition Sub-Themes
• Feasibility of the AI Solution
• Impact and Ethical Responsibility
• Presentation

For further details, stay tuned for updates after each round!