AIconomy 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.
Empowering the Next Generation of AI Innovators
The International AI Challenge 2026/27 brings together university students from across Sri Lanka and invited international universities to develop innovative AI solutions for real-world challenges.
Participants will identify issues affecting communities, industries, districts, provinces, or vulnerable groups, and propose practical AI-driven solutions with measurable social, economic, and technological impact.
The challenge aims to position Sri Lanka as a regional hub for AI innovation while encouraging collaboration, responsible technology development, and future-ready solutions.
Who Can Participate?
State Universities
Students currently enrolled in any recognized Sri Lankan state university are eligible to participate and represent their institution.
Private Universities
Students enrolled in recognized private universities, degree-awarding institutes, and higher education institutions in Sri Lanka.
International Universities
Students from invited international universities are eligible to participate and compete alongside Sri Lankan universities on the global stage.
Team Composition
Each university team should consist of 5 members, with a maximum of 7 student members per team. For international teams, each team may be guided by one academic or industry mentor.
Challenge Areas
Participants may develop AI solutions in any of the following focus areas. Projects should be practical, scalable, and capable of creating measurable real-world impact.
Special Consideration
Special attention will be given to projects that demonstrate exceptional real-world value and measurable impact in priority areas.
Competition Timeline
Key milestones from launch to the Grand Finale at the AICONOMY Summit 2027.
Official Launch & Registration Opens
- Competition officially announced
- University registration opens
- Online briefing sessions for lecturers and team leaders
- Release of competition handbook and rules
Project Development Phase
- 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
- Problem Statement
- Proposed AI Solution
- Project Summary
- Implementation Approach
- Expected Impact
Evaluation & Shortlisting
- 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
- 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
- Intensive Mentoring Sessions
- Prototype Refinement
- Business Model Development
- Pitch Coaching
- Demo Preparation
- Exhibition Booth Preparation
Final Submission
- Working Prototype
- Final Report
- Pitch Deck
- 5-Minute Demonstration Video
Grand Finale
- Innovation Expo exhibition
- 10-minute live presentation
- Q&A session with the judging panel
- Working prototype demonstration
- Networking with investors, industry leaders, and recruiters
Awards & Recognition
Outstanding achievement deserves outstanding recognition. Here's what's at stake for the best innovators.
International AI Champion Team 2026/27
Awarded to the team that demonstrates the strongest combination of AI innovation, technical implementation, social and economic impact, scalability, sustainability, and presentation excellence.
Best Individual Performer Award
Awarded to the most outstanding student participant across all competing universities.
Organizing University Leadership Award
Awarded to the university that takes the lead in hosting conferences and supporting the successful execution of the AICONOMY International AI Challenge 2026/27. Recognizes institutional leadership in advancing AI innovation and student development.
Additional Recognition Awards
Investor Connect Program
Selected high-potential projects will receive opportunities to be introduced to investors and industry partners. The objective is to help turn great ideas into real-world solutions.
International Career & Employment Opportunities
Top individual performers may be shortlisted and recommended to reputed international organizations, including 2 confirmed employment opportunities in the Maldives.
International Participation
The AICONOMY International AI Challenge 2026/27 welcomes selected international university teams to participate alongside Sri Lankan universities — creating a global platform for student innovation and cross-border collaboration.
International Participation Rules
Same rules. Same stage. Same opportunity.
International Project Focus
Address challenges within your own countries and communities
International teams are encouraged to develop AI-powered solutions that address meaningful challenges within their own countries, communities, industries, or societies. Projects should be practical, scalable, and capable of creating measurable impact.
Special attention will be given to projects with strong real-world application, community value, scalability, sustainability, and international relevance.
International Participant Benefits
Global Recognition
Official certificates and recognition through the AICONOMY International AI Challenge.
Investor & Industry Exposure
Opportunities to present ideas to potential investors, business leaders, and strategic industry partners.
Cross-Border Networking
Engage with Sri Lankan and international students, mentors, academics, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders.
Media & Digital Visibility
Selected projects may receive exposure through media, digital platforms, and social media coverage.
Cultural & Professional Exchange
Connect with Sri Lanka's innovation, business, technology, and cultural ecosystem.
Grand Prize for International Teams
The winning international team and mentor will receive a fully sponsored 5-day educational and cultural visit to Sri Lanka.