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UN Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge Tourism for Start-ups and Scale-ups 2025.

The UN Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge: Tourism for Start-ups and Scale-ups is a global competition designed to encourage the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in the tourism sector. Organized by the United Nations (UN), this challenge specifically targets start-ups and scale-ups, offering them the opportunity to showcase their AI-driven innovations that can help address key challenges in the tourism industry. The goal is to encourage the use of AI to create more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive tourism practices, while also promoting the growth of new businesses in the sector.

The tourism industry faces a number of issues, including over-tourism, inefficiencies in services, and environmental impact, all of which can be addressed through innovative AI solutions. The UN Global AI Challenge seeks to find cutting-edge, AI-based solutions that can help enhance customer experience, optimize operations, and improve sustainability within the tourism industry. The competition encourages participants to think creatively and apply AI in ways that can lead to smarter tourism practices, such as better resource management, personalized travel experiences, and reduced carbon footprints.

Start-ups and scale-ups are invited to submit their AI-powered ideas or products that focus on solving specific challenges in tourism. These can range from AI-based travel recommendation systems and smart transportation solutions, to predictive tools that improve resource allocation or sustainability efforts within the industry. The focus is on solutions that have the potential for scalability and global impact, benefiting tourism businesses, communities, and travelers alike.

UN Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge Tourism for Start-ups and Scale-ups

The competition provides participants with a unique platform to gain recognition and exposure for their AI solutions. Winners are typically offered mentorship, partnership opportunities, and the possibility of collaboration with the UN and other organizations. There may also be financial prizes or investment opportunities that can help participants further develop and scale their solutions. Additionally, the challenge serves as an important networking opportunity, connecting participants with potential investors, tourism industry leaders, and other stakeholders interested in advancing the tourism sector through technology.

Beyond the immediate rewards, the UN Global AI Challenge aims to foster long-term partnerships and collaborations that can transform the tourism industry. The challenge is part of the UN’s broader efforts to promote the use of technology and innovation for sustainable development, with a focus on inclusive growth, environmental protection, and economic resilience in the tourism sector.

In conclusion, the UN Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge: Tourism for Start-ups and Scale-ups is an important initiative that brings together innovators in AI and tourism to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. By encouraging the development of sustainable, tech-driven solutions, the challenge aims to promote a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible tourism industry while supporting the growth of businesses and entrepreneurs in the global tourism ecosystem.

The UN Secretary-General’s report highlights the need for accessible technologies and  AI solutions that bridge the digital divide. This vision drives the UN Tourism Global Artificial Intelligence and Deep Tech Challenge for Start-ups and Scale-ups, which aims to drive innovation in the tourism sector with practical and high-impact AI applications across the tourism value chain.

CATEGORIES

1. Brand, Promotion and Marketing 

2. Smart Destinations and Deep Technologies 

3. Education and technology 

4. Efficiency and operations 

Evaluation Criteria

Participating start-ups will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Ease of value capture
  • Scalability
  • Potential impact on business
  • Product/technology maturity
  • Maturity of the team and the organization
  • Preparing for partnerships
  • Contribution to selected Sustainable Development Goals

Benefits In The UN Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge Tourism for Start-ups and Scale-ups

Benefits for winning startups include, but are not limited to:

  • Presentation at the UN Tourism Demo Day
  • Acceleration program at SPARK, the Innovation Sphere of Les Roches
  • Access to over 90 venture capitalists
  • Access to leading companies and over 150 countries
  • Personalized mentoring programs
  • Possibility of pilot project with collaborators from the private sector and institutions
  • Plug and Play will offer a registered profile on Playbook, an invitation to participate in our Silicon Valley Summit, and access to talent and synergies with their Portfolio.

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to take the following steps to ensure their submission meets the Challenge criteria:

  1. Review Challenge Guidelines: Carefully read and understand the Challenge Terms and Conditions available on our website to ensure compliance with all requirements.
  2. Category Selection: Carefully select the category under which your application will be evaluated. Ensure that your project is aligned with the specified objectives of the chosen category.
  3. Prepare a Pitch Deck: Develop a concise and compelling pitch deck in English, limited to 15 slides maximum, which clearly presents the problem, solution, impact and business model of your project.
  4. Compilation of Information: Provide a complete list of your organization’s web address, social media handles, and essential contact information to facilitate effective communication.
  5. Application Submission: Once your documents are prepared and verified, complete the Application Form in English. The form is available on our official website and must be submitted before the indicated deadline.

Timeline:

  • Submission deadline : March 2025
  • Announcement of finalists : April 2025
  • Final Presentation :   To be determined
  • Impact : Continuous

Application Deadline: March 31st, 2025.

For More Information,

Visit the Official Website

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