Top 100:
IRCAI Global AI for SDGs Index
Spotlighting 100 AI innovations advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Spotlighting 100 AI innovations advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Artificial Intelligence is helping to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges — from healthcare and education to employment and environmental protection. As AI evolves from predictive to generative capabilities, its potential to accelerate progress on the SDGs continues to grow.
The Top 100 Index showcases impactful, ethical and scalable AI tools and AI-supported solutions — from early-stage prototypes to market-ready products — advancing the SDGs across sectors, regions and development stages.
Whether you’re building a research prototype, piloting a public service, growing a nonprofit initiative or scaling a commercial product, this call is your opportunity to gain international visibility, credibility and support.
This year, the highest-rated, later-stage projects will also be invited to participate in a dedicated matchmaking process, gaining exposure through IRCAI’s global network of institutions and corporate partners, with the goal of scaling impact through strategic partnerships and real-world integration.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We welcome AI innovations from across sectors: emerging startups and established companies, public agencies launching civic tech, academic labs turning research into impact and nonprofits or social enterprises driving community change.
01
Feature a strong AI, Machine Learning or Data Science component
02
Demonstrate a clear and measurable contribution to one or more SDGs
03
Integrate ethical and responsible AI practices
04
Show potential for reaching tangible results (or even market impact) by the end of 2025.
KEY DATES
Top 10 Ceremony: February 2026 (Exact date and location TBA)
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?
IRCAI’s Global Top 100 Index offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your AI innovation. This is more than mere recognition opportunity – it’s a gateway to meaningful and global exposure, strategic partnerships and support that can help your project grow, scale and make real-world impact.
Global Recognition
As part of the Global Top 100 Index, your AI project will be featured through IRCAI’s global network and communication channels, placing your work in front of policymakers, investors, academic leaders and fellow innovators. This increased visibility can help your team attract international funding, scale the initiative globally and form public-private-academic partnerships, while amplifying your brand’s reach.
Growth Support (Matchmaking)
Projects in more advanced stages will be invited to participate in a dedicated matchmaking process. They will have the opportunity to be introduced to our network of corporate partners, public institutions (for government pilots), grant-making foundations (for nonprofits) and R&D sponsors (for academic teams).
Top 100 Report
Selected projects will be published in IRCAI’s Top 100 AI for SDGs Report — a reference document distributed to decision-makers, international organizations, funders and research institutions.
Top 10 Ceremony
The 10 highest-rated projects will be spotlighted at an international event before a world-class panel of experts. This is a unique opportunity to present your work to high-level audiences and gain additional recognition.
Certificate & Badge
Selected entries will receive an official certificate and digital badge, which can be used in promotional and institutional communications to affirm your global standing and commitment to ethical, impactful AI.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of international AI experts and industry leaders.
SDG Alignment and Relevance
Ethical and Responsible AI Practices
Implementation and Scaling Potential
Ready to showcase your AI innovation on a global scale?
Within this program, we are proud to collaborate with leading institutions, companies and foundations supporting ethical, impactful AI for the SDGs.
CONTACT
International Research Centre
on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI)
under the auspices of UNESCO
Jožef Stefan Institute
Jamova cesta 39
SI-1000 Ljubljana
info@ircai.org
ircai.org
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