Annual Global Techathons celebrating International Womens Day
The Teens in AI IWD Global Techathon
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Teens in AI run annual, distributed Global Techathons inspiring teens aged 12-18 to come together to collaboratively solve a real-world problem through the use of AI and Data Science for social good. This hackathon-style programme encompasses in-person and virtual events, with challenges centred around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
9,000+ teens from around the world
Since 2020, our IWD programme has seen over 9,000 talented teens from 85 locations worldwide come together for a shared purpose – to break boundaries, ignite innovation, and celebrate equality.
Be part of a movement that’s rewriting the rules of innovation.
The 2026 Programme Roadmap
Format for 2026's techathon
Inspiration Week
26-30 January 2026
~ marking International Day of Women & Girls in Science
Local Techathons
1-28 February 2026
Boot Camp Week
2-6 March 2026
IWD Global Techathons
20-22 March 2026
~ marking International Women’s Day
Virtual Panel
16 April 2026
Global Demo Day
23 April 2026
~ marking International Girls in ICT Day
Take a look at IWD2025
What to expect
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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Through the Techathon journey, you will gain:
- AI foundations: What AI is, how it works, and where it’s used
- AI ethics & risks: Understanding bias, fairness, and safety
- Design thinking: Solving real-world problems creatively
- Prototyping skills: Using no-code tools like Canva and Thunkable
- Teamwork & storytelling: Presenting your solution with impact
Local Techathons
During this programme, teens from around the world will participate in local techathons. Teams will develop and pitch a project that tackles one of the assigned United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The best projects are selected from each local techathon and entered into the Global Judging pool to determine the overall winners.
Global Techathons
Selected teams from across the world will join virtual sessions with international mentors and speakers to deepen their prototyping using relevant tools and refine their solution through feedback, iteration, and peer reviews.
Global Demo Day
The Global Demo Day will invite team finalists to pitch their project for the chance to be selected as an overall Global Winner. A panel of expert judges help us in making this decision.
WHAT EVENTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE IWD GLOBAL TECHATHON?
- Inspiration Week: A week of one-hour inspirational learning sessions delivered by various keynote speakers on topical issues
- Local Techathon Weekends: The dates that the hacks are taking place around the world
- Bootcamp Week: A week of hands on technical learning workshops delivered by various keynote speakers on topical issues
- Global Techathon Weekend: The dates when the Virtual Global Techathon will take place, featuring the top 3 teams from each local hackathon around the world with mentorship and prototyping
- Virtual Panel: A Virtual Panel with keynote speakers hosted and moderated by Teens in AI
- Global Demo Day: The final judging round of the IWD Hackathon
Our Valued Partners
Sage and Red Hat are committed to supporting AI4Good in our mission to drive innovation and create positive social impact.
Our Impact Reports
Annual Reports and Global Flagship Programmes
Get Involved
Become a Corporate
Partner
Are you interested in investing in the next generation of tech innovators?
Partner with us as we prepare teens from across the globe for an exciting future in AI through our IWD Global Techathon.
Become a Local
Ambassador
Are you interested in leading your own local hackathon as part of the Teens in AI IWD Global Techathon?
Join our global movement and bring the young people in your community together through all things AI.
Become a Guest
Speaker
Are you interested in sharing inspirational insights with aspiring young minds?
Soon we will be announcing the theme of Inspiration Week.
Register your interest.
Featured In
“Every time I interact with Teens In AI, I come away humbled and amazed by the energy, creativity, and passion for doing good I see in the teenagers this great organisation reaches.”
“Mentorship is a privilege. Supporting young people in finding their own solutions was deeply rewarding. It’s inspiring to witness their growth, creativity, and potential. Fellow mentors can expect a meaningful, energising experience that shapes the future while offering fresh perspectives and purpose.”
“Being a Local Ambassador was an exciting and rewarding experience! I would describe it as a journey of learning, leadership, and making a real impact. It gave us the opportunity to work with passionate people, and inspire others to explore AI for social good. Overall, it was an incredible experience that helped us grow both personally and professionally!”
FAQs
What is a Techathon?
A Techathon is an event where teams come together to solve a real-world problem, collaboratively, through the use of technology. Teens in AI Techathons are designed to work towards a challenge inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Do I have to join as part of a team?
No, you can join individually and we will allocate you to a team (usually 4-5 teens per team).
What do teens actually do during the Techathon?
Teens get assigned to work in teams, select one of the given challenges and are provided with the relevant tools that would help them develop a project idea that aims to solve their chosen challenge. In addition, teams are guided by industry mentors: technologists, coders, design thinkers, and other experts.
HOW DO YOUR PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS WORK IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND?
Our payment and refund process is designed to be straightforward and customer-friendly through a secure payment gateway. All payments made are the country specific equivalent of the Great British Pound (GBP). For the most accurate and up-to-date details on our refund policy, refer to our “Terms & Conditions of Business.”
