Huawei Tech4City Competition 2026: Fueled by AI, Powered for Public Good

[Singapore, 23 April 2026] – Huawei today announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Tech4City Competition 2026, marking both the company’s 25th anniversary in Singapore and a milestone year for its flagship youth innovation programme.

Under the theme “Fueled by AI, Powered for Public Good,” the competition invites youths and startups to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to serve national priorities and improve lives. Participants are encouraged to adopt ethical and responsible AI practices while developing solutions that address real-world challenges in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Building on the success of the past four editions which have inspired over 400 ideas from more than 1,300 participants, Huawei Tech4City 2026 continues to support the national Digital for Life movement and aligns with the goals of Singapore’s National AI strategy. The competition focuses on leveraging AI as a strategic enabler to build sustainable and connected communities, empower lifelong learning, enhance safety and inclusion, and strengthen care and wellbeing in the digital age.

To strengthen real-world applicability, all teams are now required to submit a working prototype alongside their proposals. This aims to encourage practical, market-ready solutions and increase opportunities for collaboration with industry partners.

Last year’s Grand Prize winner, Remarkably, a team from the National University of Singapore (NUS), developed an AI-powered essay feedback platform to address gaps in student learning. Their solution delivers timely, high-quality feedback to all students while supporting teachers by reducing marking workload. Demonstrating how AI can augment, rather than replace, human capabilities.

At its core, Tech4City aims to bridge industry needs with youth innovation by providing a platform for participants to develop impactful, technology-driven solutions. As AI continues to evolve, Huawei encourages young innovators to view AI not with fear, but as a powerful tool to create positive change and unlock new opportunities for society.

In April 2026, Huawei announced its collaboration with The National Trades Union Congress to drive business transformation and strengthen workforce capabilities through digital and AI solutions. Beyond company‑level transformation, the partnership will also open up new training pathways for Singapore’s wider technology sector workforce, with Huawei providing skills training to Institutes of Higher Learning and designated training providers.

Frank Guo, Managing Director and Board Member of Huawei International said, “As we celebrate 25 years in Singapore, will accelerate efforts with our partners to drive structural transformation across key industries through AI integration, to innovate and lead the future. By cultivating a new generation of talents who are fluent in multi-stack AI ecosystems through Tech4City initiative, we invite all of you to use AI well to serve the national interests and the people.”

What's New in 2026

Participants will address pressing challenges under four thematic pillars:

1.     AI for Transportation: Reimagining Mobility and Experiences for a safe & inclusive Singapore

2.     AI for Education: Empowering Lifelong Learning & Future-Ready Skills

3.     AI for Community: Building Safe, Sustainable & Connected Communities

4.     AI for Health: Strengthening Care, Wellbeing & Healthcare Systems

Teams can also tackle online safety challenges through problem statements set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), based on the four key actions for practising healthy digital habits — (i) Set Boundaries Online, (ii) Think before you act, (iii) Report inappropriate content and (iv) Engage & Support

These statements task youth participants to develop solutions that enable Singaporeans to navigate the online spaces safely.

In addition, the competition has merged its previous tracks into a single unified track for all participants aged 16 to 35. This creates a more inclusive platform where students and startups can learn from one another, exchange perspectives, and compete on equal footing.

Vibrant Ecosystem Partners

Tech4City continues to grow its ecosystem through strong partnerships across government, industry, and academia:

• Government Agencies IMDA, National Youth Council (NYC)
• Industry Partners SBS Transit, Synapxe, AI Singapore, NTUC Youth, SG Enable, Business China, Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE.SG)
• Knowledge Partners Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Institute of Management, Temasek Polytechnic, Institute of Technical Education

For the fourth consecutive year, Huawei’s longstanding partner SBS Transit has sponsored an additional cash prize for the “Best Innovation in Mobility”, encouraging technological transformations that enhance the commuter experience in public transportation.

Registration for Tech4City 2026 is now open until 31 July 2026, sign up here.

Submission criteria are as follows:

• Participants must be aged 16-35 years old, forming a team of 3 to 6 members
• Proposals should include research insights, proposed solution, execution plan, social value and demo of working prototype
• All team members must attend the onsite final pitch in Singapore in October
• Use of Huawei technology is encouraged (registered participants will gain access to Huawei’s E-learning platform)