AI Challenge 2026 opens registration for young AI talent worldwide
Sber has launched AI Challenge 2026, an annual international artificial intelligence competition for school and university students. The contest offers young talent from around the world the opportunity to develop AI skills through real-world technology challenges.
Participants can compete in three categories: Beginners, School Students and University Students. Depending on their experience level, contestants may participate individually or as part of a team.
The competition tasks have been developed by Sber experts, AI Alliance member companies and technology partners. This year’s challenges include autonomous AI agents for cybersecurity, image restoration systems, citizen request processing solutions, detection of hidden AI-generated image manipulations and other practical AI applications.
"AI Challenge brings together talented young people who will create new technologies and transform entire industries. Working on real business cases helps participants build professional skills and prepare for careers in leading technology companies," said Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank.
The competition consists of three stages:
Registration is open until 15 September 2026 at the official AI Challenge website.
The strongest participants will be invited to the AI Journey international conference in Moscow, where the winners will be announced. The total prize fund amounts to RUB 15.6 million.
In 2025, AI Challenge attracted around 10,000 school and university students from 75 countries, including India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, France and Germany.
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