In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and impacting various aspects of society, the importance of responsible development and deployment cannot be overstated. Responsible AI, or ResponsibleAI, emphasizes ethical considerations in AI technologies, ensuring they are used for the betterment of humanity. This blog post explores the GenAI for Good Challenge, an initiative that invites innovators to contribute to the future of responsible AI and ResponsibleAI.
A global innovation challenge is calling on researchers, technologists, and changemakers to shape the future of Responsible AI. The GenAI for Good Challenge, co-designed by IEEE Humanitarian Technologies and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), empowers teams worldwide to develop AI solutions that deliver real-world impact in health, agriculture, and climate resilience. Participants are encouraged to think creatively about how AI can address pressing global issues, integrating insights from local communities to ensure their solutions are relevant and effective.
By leveraging ResponsibleAI, teams can create innovative solutions that prioritize ethical standards.
As we delve deeper, it’s essential to recognize that ResponsibleAI plays a crucial role in shaping ethical AI practices that benefit society.
The principles of ResponsibleAI guide us toward more inclusive and equitable technology development.
With up to USD $25,000 in funding for winning teams and the opportunity to deploy solutions alongside UN agencies, this challenge is designed to move promising ideas beyond the lab and into communities.
The principles of ResponsibleAI guide the development of innovative solutions that prioritize the welfare of communities.
In addition to funding, teams will benefit from mentorship and support from industry experts. This holistic approach ensures that participants not only receive financial backing but also the guidance necessary to refine their ideas and maximize their impact.
Integrating ResponsibleAI into projects fosters trust and accountability among stakeholders.
By integrating ResponsibleAI principles, participants can enhance the relevance and impact of their projects.
About the Challenge
The challenge is open to a wide range of participants, including startups, researchers, and nonprofits, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can thrive. By leveraging the power of AI, participants are positioned to create solutions that have the potential to change lives and improve communities.
The Importance of ResponsibleAI in Today’s World
Built on the open-source GENIE.AI framework, the challenge supports innovators in creating scalable, responsible AI prototypes that address use cases identified through ITU’s in-country collaborations and local ecosystems. The framework serves as a rich resource, providing participants with tools and guidelines to help them navigate the complexities of AI development and implementation.
This is not just an innovation sprint—it’s a structured path toward deployment, impact, and global collaboration.
Moreover, the challenge emphasizes collaboration among participants, allowing teams to share insights and learn from one another. This collaborative spirit not only enhances the quality of the solutions developed but also fosters a sense of community among innovators working towards common goals.
Focus Areas
Each focus area represents an opportunity to leverage AI in innovative ways. By targeting specific domains, the challenge encourages participants to delve deeper into their chosen fields, ensuring their solutions are both impactful and sustainable.
ResponsibleAI is not just a concept; it’s a movement towards AI that respects human rights and promotes justice.
Participants will tackle urgent challenges across three critical domains:
These critical domains reflect pressing challenges faced by communities worldwide, making the challenge not only a competition but a vital initiative aimed at fostering social good.
1. Agriculture Extension Chatbot
Country: Lesotho
A mobile-friendly AI chatbot offering farmers and agricultural advisors in Lesotho real-time advice, crop alerts, and market guidance—via voice, text, and basic phones. This tool aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture, ensuring that farmers receive timely information that can significantly impact their harvests and livelihoods.
By integrating local agricultural knowledge with AI technology, this chatbot serves as a bridge between modern science and traditional farming practices, addressing the unique needs of Lesotho’s agricultural community.
2. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Prevention Chatbot
Utilizing ResponsibleAI ensures that health innovations are adaptable and culturally sensitive to the needs of various populations.
Country: The Gambia
A multilingual AI chatbot delivering evidence-based, personalization guidance to help Gambians prevent and manage chronic health risks like hypertension and tobacco use. This innovative solution aims to empower users with knowledge and resources, making health management accessible to all citizens, regardless of their background.
With a focus on cultural relevance and user engagement, the chatbot is designed to resonate with the local population, making health advice not only informative but also actionable.
3. Extreme Weather Advisor
Country: Bangladesh
An AI-powered assistant that helps Bangladeshi farmers prepare for droughts with localized weather alerts, water-saving tips, and crop-specific risk guidance. This tool is essential for farmers to adapt to changing climate conditions and make informed decisions that affect their yields.
By providing targeted information, the advisor empowers farmers to implement best practices in water management and crop selection, ultimately contributing to greater agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.
Why Apply?
These opportunities not only provide financial support but also create pathways for innovators to connect with key players in the AI and humanitarian sectors, enhancing the visibility and credibility of their projects.
With the support of ResponsibleAI, these initiatives can achieve sustainable and scalable impacts.
Supporting initiatives aligned with ResponsibleAI can lead to transformative community benefits.
✔ Real Deployment with UN Agencies
Winning teams will have the opportunity to pilot their solutions with:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Deployment will depend on the chosen use case.
This is a rare opportunity to test and implement innovations via an active global deployment pipeline, translating prototypes into community-level impact. Engaging with UN agencies also opens doors to international collaboration and the sharing of best practices across borders.
Through this collaboration, teams can leverage resources and expertise from the UN, ensuring their innovations are implemented effectively and sustainably, ultimately leading to long-lasting community benefits.
ResponsibleAI principles enhance collaboration, fostering a network of innovators committed to ethical practices.
✔ Funding Support
Funding is crucial for transforming ideas into tangible solutions. It allows teams to cover development costs, conduct necessary research, and integrate feedback from end-users to refine their projects.
- Up to $25,000 in funding per winning team to advance prototypes and support deployment readiness.
✔ Work with Global Expert Networks
Collaborate with:
- IEEE Humanitarian Technologies
- ITU AI for Good
- UN in-country offices
Gain access to deep technical expertise, field knowledge, and responsible AI best practices.
✔ Structured, Impact-Driven Program
The challenge is designed to help teams:
Through the lens of ResponsibleAI, we can ensure that technological advancements align with societal needs.
This structured approach helps teams to gain confidence in their solutions, ensuring they are not just ideas on paper but practical tools ready for implementation in the field.
- Develop responsible generative AI systems
- Validate use cases with domain experts
- Build deployable prototypes
- Prepare for real-world adoption and scale
✔ Create Meaningful Community Impact
Work on challenges directly affecting populations worldwide—advancing human-centered AI that improves lives. By focusing on real-world problems, participants can be part of a movement that prioritizes ethical AI development and fosters positive change.
Embracing ResponsibleAI strengthens our commitment to developing technology that serves humanity.
Each effort toward ResponsibleAI represents a step toward a more equitable technological landscape.
Program Timeline
Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
The timeline is designed to ensure that all participants have ample time to develop their ideas and receive feedback from industry experts at various stages of the challenge.
The GenAI for Good Challenge unfolds through several phases, from application and expert evaluation to prototyping, refinement, and final deployment with UN partners.
Each phase is designed to move your idea step by step toward real-world implementation.
Who Should Apply?
By encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, the challenge creates an environment where diverse skill sets come together, enriching the innovation process and leading to more holistic solutions.
-
- AI researchers and technologists
- Innovators, engineers, and developers
Teams are encouraged to think outside the box, combining technical expertise with social insights to craft solutions that are not only innovative but also deeply impactful.
- Social impact practitioners
- Interdisciplinary teams working at the intersection of AI and public good
- Students, early-career professionals, and established practitioners
Participation is global, and teams from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Get Involved
Engagement through this challenge allows participants to explore the vast potential of AI in addressing social issues while contributing to the global discourse on responsible AI practices.
Engaging with ResponsibleAI practices can inspire a new generation of innovators to focus on ethics.
Understanding the significance of ResponsibleAI can inspire new generations of innovators to prioritize ethical considerations.
Applications are now open.
Join the challenge shaping the next generation of Responsible AI and help build solutions that create measurable community impact.
Join us in championing ResponsibleAI initiatives that lead to meaningful change in the world.
As you consider your application, think about how your unique skills and experiences can contribute to the development of responsible AI solutions that resonate within communities.
Get more information: Click Here
As you think about your contributions to ResponsibleAI, consider how your skills can foster a better future.
Embrace the opportunity to shape the future of technology and be a catalyst for change through responsible AI initiatives.
By fostering ResponsibleAI, we ensure equitable access to technology for all communities.
By participating, you join a community dedicated to harnessing the power of AI responsibly, ensuring that advancements benefit all, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
By embracing ResponsibleAI, we can collectively ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone, especially those in need.
