AI Builders Challenge with IBM Bob 2026: Win a Share of $15,000 While Building Real-World AI Solutions

Calling all university students, aspiring AI innovators, software developers, engineers, designers, and technology enthusiasts!

IBM SkillsBuild and BeMyApp have launched the AI Builders Challenge with IBM Bob, a global innovation competition designed to help students gain hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, software development, and problem-solving while competing for a share of a $15,000 prize pool. Participants will build portfolio-ready AI projects, learn from industry experts, and connect with a global community of innovators.

About the AI Builders Challenge

The AI Builders Challenge is a global initiative that empowers university students to create innovative AI-powered solutions using IBM Bob. Through a series of monthly challenges, learning resources, webinars, and a virtual showcase, participants will develop practical skills that prepare them for the future of work.

Whether in coding, data science, engineering, business, design, or entrepreneurship, this challenge provides a platform to apply artificial intelligence to real-world problems while building a strong professional portfolio.

Prize Pool

Participants will compete for a share of a $15,000 USD total prize pool.

Monthly Challenge Awards

• ???? 1st Place: $2,250 USD

• ???? Runner-Up: $1,250 USD

• ???? Most Innovative Solution: $750 USD

• ???? Best Use of Technology: $750 USD

Grand Prize

???? $5,000 USD awarded to the best overall project based on innovation, technical excellence, impact, and execution.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be currently enrolled in a college or university

• Participate individually or in teams of up to five members

• Have an interest in AI, software development, data science, engineering, design, or related fields

Eligible participants include undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from around the world.

Challenge Themes

July 2026 – AI for Creative Industries

Build tools that enhance storytelling, creativity, and digital content production.

August 2026 – AI for Space Exploration

Develop solutions supporting space research, missions, and astronomy.

Wildcard Theme – Future of Work

Create AI systems that improve productivity, automation, and decision-making.

Benefits of Participating

Participants will gain:

• Hands-on AI development experience

• Access to IBM SkillsBuild learning resources

• Mentorship and expert-led webinars

• Networking with global innovators

• Portfolio-ready projects for career growth

• Exposure to IBM technologies and tools

• Recognition on a global innovation platform

Submission Requirements

Participants are expected to submit:

• A working prototype using IBM Bob

• A GitHub repository with project documentation

• A short demonstration video (max 3 minutes)

• Evidence of completion of IBM SkillsBuild learning activities

Judging Criteria

Projects will be assessed based on:

• Innovation

• Technical execution

• Feasibility

• Impact

• Alignment with challenge theme

Application Link

???? https://aibuilderschallenge-bob.bemyapp.com/

Why You Should Apply

This challenge offers students a rare opportunity to transform ideas into real-world AI solutions, gain industry exposure, and develop future-ready skills that are highly valued in today’s digital economy.

At Eureka Learners Foundation (ELF), we believe that access to opportunities like this is key to empowering young people to innovate, lead, and solve global challenges. We encourage students and emerging innovators to take bold steps toward building solutions that matter.