Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
RUDN University students can test their skills in the Global Design for the Future Competition (GCD4F 2026). Applications are accepted until April 30th.
The competition is an international event organized by Beijing Normal University and the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE). It has been held since 2018 and is recognized as one of the key annual events of the World Alliance for Digital Education. Over the years, the competition has attracted over 25,000 participants from over 40 countries, who submitted over 3,000 innovative project proposals dedicated to promising solutions in education.
This year, participants are invited to develop innovative AI-based solutions aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals across three themes:
AI for Science – creating interdisciplinary research paradigms based on AI, developing new platforms, methods, and models of collaboration to accelerate scientific discoveries (climatology, pharmaceutical research, sustainable materials, energy). AI for Education – exploring the future of AI, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all (personalization of learning, transformation of teaching and student assessment, support for marginalized groups and students with disabilities, integration of education in the field of health and well-being). AI for Society – creating a more sustainable, equitable, and human-centered society with AI (improving mental health, sustainable urban governance, judicial justice, civic participation). An international jury (university experts, industry leaders, representatives of solution beneficiaries) will evaluate the works according to five criteria: problem awareness, innovative spirit, technology for good, application prospects, presentation, and expression.
Who can participate?
The competition is open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from all academic disciplines at universities worldwide. Participants must form teams of 3–5 people; cross-national, cross-institutional, and cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged.
Each team is recommended to have at least one member fluent in English (all submitted materials and presentations must be in English). Participation in the competition and all its events are free. However, students are responsible for covering their own personal expenses (transportation, accommodation).
Competition Stages The competition will be held from January to October 2026 in three stages.
Initial stage (January–May 2026, online): team formation and registration, development and submission of preliminary work.
Team registration will close at 6:00 PM (Beijing time) on April 30. Participants' submissions (a 5-minute video and design report) will be accepted until 6:00 PM (Beijing time) on May 31. During this period, participants are encouraged to join a series of online sessions organized by the competition committee, including competition briefings, expert lectures, and presentations of outstanding work.
Regional selection (June-July 2026, online or offline): evaluation of initial stage work, project refinement, pitching. Participants will submit an updated video, report, and presentation of their AI solutions. The best teams will advance to the finals. Global final (October 2026, in person in Beijing or Paris): pitching, Global Student Forum. Finalists will present final materials (video, presentation, design report, posters, and, if available, a prototype or demo version of the solution). Based on the results of the pitching, the winners will be selected and awarded.
What are the benefits of participating in the competition?
Awards, certificates, and recognition from Beijing Normal University and UNESCO IITE. All participants who advance to the regional finals or the global finals will receive certificates. Winners will receive a cash prize. Opportunities to participate in events related to the World Alliance for Digital Education and conferences hosted by Beijing Normal University, such as the 2026 Global Intelligent Education Conference, will be available. Selected team submissions will be included in the competition's casebook, published by Springer, and archived in the UNESCO IITE Digital Library as examples of global best practices. Career development opportunities include access to the UNESCO Youth Talent Program on AI in Education, letters of recommendation, and internship offers. Opportunities for further recognition, including potential patents, publications, or intellectual property development.
How to register
You can register and submit materials for the competition through the official website: http://gtsd4fe.bnu.edu.kn/en/index.html.
All necessary document templates for submitting applications are available for download on the website in the "Details" section.
If you don't have access to the website, you can register for the competition by sending a request to the organizing committee's email address: d4fe@bnu.edu.kn.
Contact phone number: 86-010-58807206; 86-010-58807208.
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