If you’ve been working on a bold, innovative idea that uses AI to make life better for your community, this might be your moment to shine.
The BRICS Young Innovator Prize is officially back for its 8th edition—and it’s shaping up to be a major opportunity for young visionaries from across the BRICS nations.
The prize will be awarded during the 10th BRICS Young Scientist Forum, happening from September 15–17, 2025, in Brasilia, Brazil—with the event being hosted under the Brazilian presidency of BRICS.
What This Year’s Challenge Is All About
This year, there’s a very specific focus: “Artificial Intelligence applied to Public Service Solutions.”
So if you’re brainstorming ways to use AI to fix real-world issues—like improving healthcare access, modernizing education systems, or streamlining public transportation—this is the kind of work they’re looking for.
Just a heads-up: projects that don’t relate to this theme won’t be considered.
Who’s Eligible to Enter?
To throw your hat in the ring, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
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You must be under 40 years old by December 31, 2025
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You must be the original author of the project
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You must have a connection to one of the BRICS countries (either by birth, naturalization, or permanent residency)
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You can only submit one project per person
What Kind of Projects Are They Looking For?
They’re not looking for polished, market-ready products.
Instead, they want innovative, pre-market concepts that are still in development—think pilot testing, prototypes, or just before launch.
The core focus is impact. Your project should offer a creative and practical solution to real issues—whether they’re social, economic, environmental, or developmental—that affect communities within BRICS nations.
A few things to note:
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Corporate innovations created for or by tech companies won’t qualify
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Your project must be independent, not affiliated with a company or in the middle of any kind of corporate merger
Big Rewards for Bold Ideas
Winners don’t just walk away with bragging rights—there’s real money on the line:
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First Prize: $25,000 USD
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Second Prize: $15,000 USD
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Third Prize: $10,000 USD
These prizes will be awarded once projects pass verification and meet all the official rules.
What You’ll Need to Apply
If you’re planning to apply, make sure you have everything ready:
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A completed and signed application form
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Your biography or CV
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A photo of yourself (must be larger than 250×300 pixels)
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All relevant information about your project, which could include:
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Word documents
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Presentations
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Images
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Videos
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Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a social impact innovator, this is a chance to show how technology can create lasting change.
If you’re eligible and inspired, now’s the time to apply and put your work on the international stage.
[Click here to apply]