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

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About UN Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge Tourism

With artificial intelligence and advanced technologies redefining the travel industry, 2024 represents a key moment to rethink tourism. As international travel reaches full recovery, the challenge focuses on using AI to improve personalized services, streamline operations, and strengthen customer engagement, delivering scalable solutions with measurable results.

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.

Goals

1. Innovate : Support AI-driven solutions that improve efficiency and transform traveler experiences across the tourism ecosystem.
2. Adopt : Ensure equitable adoption of AI, providing access to all communities and promoting broad participation and benefits from these technologies.
3. Driving Growth : Promoting AI solutions that optimize operations and improve service quality, benefiting all industry players.
4. Collaborate : Unite governments, industries and experts to advance the role of AI in addressing key tourism challenges.
5. Shaping the Future : Using AI to meet user expectations, from optimizing logistics to improving visitor experience, strengthening tourism as an engine of economic growth.

• Sponsor Organisation: UN Tourism

Benefits of UN Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge Tourism

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.

UN Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge Tourism Requirements

The UN Tourism Global AI and Deep Tech Challenge for Startups and Scaleups is strategically targeted at start-ups and scaleups that have already demonstrated significant potential in the tourism or technology sectors and are ready for their next phase of growth. These are companies that are past the initial seed stage, with proven business models, an established customer base and a track record of innovation. Targeted scaleups must meet the following criteria:

1. Technological Innovation and Preparation

• Proven Technology Readiness: Demonstrated deployment of advanced, AI-driven or emerging technologies that are market-ready and address real-world challenges.
• AI Ethics and Compliance : Compliance with international regulations such as GDPR, with particular attention to data security and ethical practices in AI.

2. Market Validation and Commercial Viability

• Sustainable Business Model : A strong strategy to minimize risks and the ability to sustainably expand operations.
• Growth Phase with Market Traction : Strong market presence with established revenue streams, demonstrating customer demand and effective solutions for real-world applications.
• Financial Stability : Robust financial support and stability to support long-term growth.

3. Global Reach and Scalability

• Global Scalability and Adaptability : Vision and preparedness to deploy solutions globally, with the ability to adapt them to diverse geographic and regulatory environments.
• Readiness for Collaboration : Engaging in strategic partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaborations to promote responsible use of AI in tourism.

4. Sustainability and Social Impact

• Commitment to Sustainability: Dedication to practices that support environmental conservation and contribute to the SDGs.
• Social Impact and Inclusivity : Technologies that promote inclusivity, improving accessibility and cultural exchange.
• Impact Measurement and Reporting : Systems to measure and report the impact of their solutions on sustainability and the SDGs

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

Application Date and 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. Find the list of categories below.
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.

CATEGORIES

1. Brand, Promotion and Marketing 

2. Smart Destinations and Deep Technologies 

3. Education and technology 

4. Efficiency and operations

Application Deadline

31 March, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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