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AI Innovator Student Challenge

Students strengthen AI literacy and design skills to make an impact in the world

Sign Up for 2027 Updates AI Innovator Guide 2026

2026 AI Innovator Student Challenge Winners

These three student teams were invited to present their winning projects at ISTELive 26 in Orlando, Florida! 

Civic Lens

James W. Robinson Secondary School - Fairfax County, VA, USA

PathoScan

Dubai American Academy - Dubai, UAE

ReSiklo

Dominican School of Manila - Manila, Philippines 

What is the AI Innovator Student Challenge?

The AI Innovator Student Challenge invites students around the world to identify a real problem in their community, connect it to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and design an AI-powered solution, whether that means building their own AI tool or applying existing AI in creative ways. Every student team is guided by an educator, and ISTE provides those educators with the resources, training, and community they need to mentor young innovators with confidence.

 

2027 Program Overview and Key Dates

1 August 24 - November 16, 2026: Webinar Series
2 November 2026: Refreshed Lesson Plans and Updated Program Guide Launch
3 November 2026: Submission Form Opens
4 February 7, 2027: Submission Deadline
5 Early April 2027: Winners Announced

2026 AI Innovator Student Challenge Finalists

These student teams were selected as finalists for their strong projects! 

Agathon AI

Junipero Serra High School - San Mateo County, CA, USA

AI Spine Care

PS Straso Pindzur Karbinci - Karbinci, North Macedonia

Crisis IQ

Saint Louis College, La Union - San Fernando, Philippines

Kinetika

Instituto Andes Los Mochis - Sinaloa, México

Project S.A.R.A

Al Majd International School - Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Sara AI

SRDAV Public School - Delhi, India

WasteCo

Makati Hope Christian School - Makati, Philippines

Wastewise

VASANT KUNJ Public School - Delhi, India

2027 Webinar Series

    Join us as we launch the AI Innovator Student Challenge 2027! 

    Watch Now

    Learn about previous winning projects and hear directly from at least one student team (and their teacher coach) who competed last year as they share what they built, how they used AI responsibly, and what they'd tell this year's teams. Rescheduled from September 17. 

    Watch Now

    A practical walkthrough of the lesson plans available to prepare students for the AI Innovator Challenge. We’ll talk about what's there, how to pick a sequence that fits your classroom, and how to support students in developing their skills as designers, innovators, and responsible creators. 

    Please note: using the lesson plans is not required to participate in the Challenge. They're intended to be a helpful tool for educators bringing this work into their classrooms. 

    Watch Now

    Official kickoff of this year's AI Innovator Student Challenge — submission requirements, key dates, and an open Q&A to get your team ready to start.

    Register Now

Explore Teacher Support

View the Teacher Support Guide to understand how the lesson plans are organized — from lesson structure to standards alignment. See how the curriculum builds student confidence in AI literacy, innovation, and digital citizenship.

Ready for the complete lesson plans? Download them below. 

Download Support Guide Download Lesson Plans

2025 AI Innovator Student Challenge Winners

These three student teams were invited to present their projects at ISTELive 25 in San Antonio, Texas!

Readify

Bombay International School - Mumbai, India

Off-Sign

Andes International School - Puebla, Mexico

DebateAI

Colonial Forge High School - Stafford County, VA, USA

2024 AI Innovator Student Challenge Winners

These students presented their projects at ISTELive 24 in Denver, Colorado!

SAIG 007

Prepa Anahuac México Campus - Cumbres, México

SDG Heroes

Oldham County Schools - KY, USA

ISTE+ASCD, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Intel recognize the transformative opportunities of AI in education and are excited to support students in unleashing their creativity using AI, fostering digital citizenship, and driving meaningful change in their communities.