Competition Timeline & Deadlines
Explore the official roadmap for the AIconomy International AI Challenge 2026/27. Follow key milestone dates from initial registration to the Grand Finale at the AIconomy Summit.
Official Launch & Registration Opens
The competition officially kicks off with the release of challenge categories, problem statements, and the official university registration portal.
- Competition officially announced
- Challenge categories and problem statements released
- Registration opens for university students
Registration & Team Formation
University teams are formed, initial research commences, and each team prepares their one A4 page project proposal.
- Students register for the competition
- Teams are formed according to competition guidelines
- Competition rules and judging criteria released
- Initial research into real-world problems begins
- Mentor and technical support channels introduced
- Submit a one A4 page proposal. (Can Submit until 31 October 2026)
Innovation Period
Teams conduct research, build their solutions, and prepare their comprehensive concept paper.
- Project Completion and Preparation of the Concept Paper
Concept Paper and Project Submission
Official submission deadline for Concept Papers and project prototypes across all challenge areas.
- 3-5 page Concept Paper
- Completed Project with Prototype (Prototype not compulsory, but will be an added advantage)
- Submission Guidelines will be available via website
Evaluation & Shortlisting
Independent judging panel evaluates all submissions based on innovation, feasibility, AI implementation, and societal impact.
- Independent judging panel evaluates all submissions
- Assessment based on innovation, feasibility, AI implementation and impact
- Top 20 teams selected for the Grand Finale
Top 20 Teams Announced
Official announcement of the Top 20 finalist teams, followed by orientation and Grand Finale briefing sessions.
- Official announcement
- Finalist briefing session
- Grand Finale guidelines shared
Final Development & Mentoring
Only shortlisted teams continue to undergo intensive mentoring, prototype polishing, demo rehearsals, and pitch coaching.
- Only shortlisted teams continue.
- Activities include:
- • Intensive mentoring sessions
- • Prototype refinement
- • Business model development
- • Pitch coaching
- • Demo preparation
- • Exhibition booth preparation
Final Submission
Final submission cutoff for all working software prototypes, pitch decks, technical reports, and video demonstrations.
- Working Prototype
- Final Report
- Pitch Deck
- 5-minute Demonstration Video
AIconomy International AI Challenge Grand Finale & Expo
The pinnacle event held during the AIconomy Summit Sri Lanka at BMICH & Cinnamon Grand Colombo before global investors and leaders.
- During the AIconomy Summit, Finalists will:
- • Exhibit their AI solution at the Innovation Expo.
- • Deliver a 10-minute live presentation followed by a Q&A session
- • Demonstrate their working prototype to the judging panel
- • Network with investors, industry leaders and recruiters
Ready to Join the Challenge?
Nominate your university team (Deadline: 21 October 2026, proposals by 31 October 2026) or school team (Deadline: 31 October 2026) to participate.