What is Young Founders School?

Young Founders School is a global entrepreneurship education program that empowers students with real-world skills, hands-on startup experience, and mentorship from industry leaders.

Who can join YFS programs?

YFS welcomes students aged 11-18 who are curious, motivated, and excited to learn. No prior business or tech experience is needed.

How do corporates benefit from partnering with YFS?

Corporate partners gain meaningful employee engagement, high-impact CSR alignment, and the chance to mentor the next generation of innovators.

Are YFS programs free?

YFS offers both paid and fully-funded programs. Students from economically weaker sections can participate at no cost through fully-funded initiatives.

How can donors support YFS?

Donors can fund student access, sponsor regional programs, or support new school partnerships. Every contribution expands YFS's reach.

Global AI Hackathon · 2026 · Completed

Build For Good

An international hackathon by Young Founders School, where young people used AI to tackle real global challenges — from sustainability to education to inclusion.

The 2026 programme ran from April through the global finals at YFS Gala 2026 in Singapore. Project submissions are closed.

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The 2026 programme

1000

Young Innovators

14-18

Age Group

Countries

Finalists to Singapore

Global Reach

Six Countries. One Mission.

Students across 6 partner countries ran speedrunning hackathons, ideation workshops, and regional finals.

ChinaIndonesiaNigeriaPhilippinesIndiaSingapore

The Process

From Idea To Impact

STEP 01

Ideate Fast

Rapid ideation workshops surfaced high-potential student ideas across the challenge tracks.

STEP 02

Refine With Coaches

Local mentors and YFS coaches helped student teams stress-test and shape their concepts.

STEP 03

Rapid Prototyping

Teams built working prototypes using AI tooling, supported by the YFS Studio accelerator.

STEP 04

Pitch Locally

Each regional hub ran a live pitch event, and winners advanced to the Global Finals.

Program Structure

Three Phases

Phase 1

Speedrunning Hackathons

Regional speedrunning hackathons across 6 hubs — short-form competitions that surfaced top teams per country.

Phase 2

Training & Mentorship

Shortlisted teams joined the YFS Studio — a 2-month accelerator with masterclasses, mentor pairing, and prototype support.

Phase 3

Grand Finale at Singapore

The grand finale was held in Singapore, with finalist teams pitching live at the YFS Annual Gala.

2026 Timeline

1 Apr – 30 Jun 2026
Workshops
Ideation and speedrunning workshops ran across all six hubs.
1 Apr – 30 Jun 2026
Project Submission
Teams submitted their ideas through the Build For Good portal.
15 Jun – 30 Jun 2026
Judging
An expert panel scored submissions against track criteria.
1 Jul – 15 Aug 2026
Mentorship
Shortlisted teams entered the 2-month YFS Studio accelerator.
5 September 2026
Final Pitching
Finalist teams presented live at the YFS Gala 2026 in Singapore.

Innovation Tracks

Three Challenge Tracks

AI for Sustainability

From climate resilience to circular economies — students built AI tools aimed at the environment.

AI for Education

Tutor tools, accessibility, and skill-building for underserved learners.

AI for Inclusion

Projects for accessibility, language, economic participation, and mental health.

Global Finals at YFS Gala 2026

The global finals were held at YFS Gala 2026 in Singapore, where finalist teams from the six countries were invited to pitch live.

Flights and accommodation for finalist teams
A live pitch on stage at YFS Gala 2026
Masterclasses with industry leaders
Innovation tours of Singapore's startup ecosystem
Networking with mentors and partners
Recognition on stage at the Gala

Build For Good 2026 Has Concluded

Thank you to the students, mentors, and partners who took part. Submissions are closed. To talk about a future programme, get in touch.

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