AIEC 2026
AI Entrepreneurship Contest
Student teams (grade 6-12) build AI-driven ventures evaluated on technical innovation, business viability, and social responsibility. January - June 2026.
Vision & Mission
The 3I framework guides students in developing scientific literacy, business acumen, and social responsibility through hands-on AI entrepreneurship.
Intelligence
AI Technology Understanding & Technical Literacy
- Recognize and apply mainstream AI technologies
- Evaluate technological feasibility, data risks, and model limitations
- Develop scientific spirit and interdisciplinary technical judgment
Innovation
Business Insight, Design Thinking & Entrepreneurial Practice
- Identify genuine customer needs and market pain points
- Build clear business models, value propositions, and long-term viability
- Practice prototyping, hypothesis validation, and competitive analysis
Impact
Social Ethics, Fairness & Sustainable Responsibility
- Uphold data privacy, fairness, and bias prevention
- Assess environmental sustainability and social impact
- Propose contributions to vulnerable groups, equity, or public services
Goals & Educational Impact
Cultivating future young leaders with AI understanding, business innovation, and social impact awareness.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Teams experience the full journey from idea to product to business plan, building technical, business, and social competencies.
Leadership Development
Students practice project management, public speaking, and social responsibility.
Real-World Validation
Prototyping, market research, and hypothesis testing ground projects in reality.
Contest Focus
Open to all AI-driven products, services, or business concepts with tangible value. Choose based on interests, capabilities, and observed societal needs.
AI-Driven Industry Applications
Intelligent automation and optimization across education, healthcare, urban planning, retail, finance, and manufacturing.
Productivity & Enterprise Tools
AI-powered knowledge management, team collaboration, professional assistants, and automated content generation.
Consumer Experience Innovation
Personalized fitness, dietary planning, social experiences, gaming, 3D/AR interactions, and generative creative tools.
Social Good & Sustainability
Aging support, environmental monitoring, bias detection, energy management, and community care for vulnerable populations.
Cross-Disciplinary Applications
Combine AI with biotech, AR/VR, fintech, hardware, IoT, and other emerging fields.
Open Category
Any AI-driven product, service, or business concept with tangible value. Propose your own direction.
Principles of ethical AI:
All teams must address these principles in Ethical AI & Sustainability Statement (150-200 word), a mandatory submission and key evaluation criterion.
Eligibility & Participation
Teams should review these requirements before registering.
Who Can Participate
- Currently enrolled in grades 6-12 or equivalent programs
- Open to students from any country worldwide
- Students must not have graduated before the contest year
- Every participant must be part of a team
- Parental or guardian consent required as part of registration
Contest Timeline
Four stages guide teams from registration to the final in-person showcase.
Final Round Schedule
Hilton Toronto/Markham
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Address: 8500 Warden Ave., Markham, ON L6G 1A5
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are scored across five dimensions using a standardized rubric.
Awards & Recognition
All awards sponsored by
Overall Excellence Awards
1st Place
Scotiabank Award for AI Entrepreneurship Excellence
2nd Place
Scotiabank Award for Outstanding AI Venture
3rd Place
Scotiabank Award for Emerging AI Venture
Special Recognition Awards
Scotiabank Award for AI Innovation
Best AI technical innovation
Scotiabank Award for Business Potential
Best business viability
Scotiabank Award for Social Impact in AI
Best social impact
Scotiabank Award for User Experience & Design Excellence
Best design and user experience
Scotiabank Award for Rising AI Entrepreneurs
Most promising new entrepreneurs
Scotiabank Award for Team Excellence
Best teamwork
Scotiabank Judges' Recognition Award
Special recognition by the judges
Beyond the Awards
Feedback for Every Team
All submissions receive written feedback from judges after each round.
Finalist Recognition
Finalist teams will be featured on the contest website.
Extended Opportunities
Outstanding projects may be featured at the OTLF Youth Entrepreneurship Forum and gain cross-regional exhibition opportunities.
AI Responsibility Badge
Teams demonstrating outstanding ethical compliance receive the AI Responsibility Badge.
OTLF reserves the right to adjust contest awards based on competition progress, team formation, and other relevant factors.
Global Community
The contest connects students, mentors, and judges across borders.
Top teams may showcase at the OTLF Youth Entrepreneurship Forum.
