Stevens Initiative AI Ignite Lab

The Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) are piloting the AI Ignite Lab, a free virtual programme that brings together 18 to 24 year olds from the United States and the United Arab Emirates to explore how AI can be used for social good. Participants learn AI tools, human-centred design and digital storytelling alongside peers from the other country, then receive funding to run a project in their own community on a global Day of Action.

What you get:

• A four-week virtual Learning Lab on AI skills, design thinking, cross-cultural collaboration and social impact
• An intensive two-day Ideas Lab to turn your idea into a concrete plan
• Funding to support your Day of Action project in your own community (amount not published)
• Limited support for internet data costs for selected participants with demonstrated financial need
• A cross-cultural network of peers in the US and the UAE

What you'll do:

• Attend four live Saturday sessions, 10, 17, 24 and 31 October, 8am to 10am US Eastern (4pm to 6pm UAE), plus about 2 hours a week of asynchronous and small-group work
• Join the Ideas Lab on 7 and 8 November, 8am to 12pm US Eastern each day, plus about 2 hours of partner work each day
• Implement a locally relevant project or intervention in your community on the Day of Action, 14 November
• Submit a TikTok or Reel about your project by 18 November
• Join the culminating virtual celebration on 21 November

Key dates:

• Applications close September 24, 2026 at 5pm US Eastern Time
• Finalists selected September 28, 2026
• Learning Lab October 10 to 31, 2026
• Ideas Lab November 7 to 8, 2026
• Day of Action November 14, 2026
• TikTok or Reel due November 18, 2026
• Culminating virtual celebration November 21, 2026

More information:

• Applicants may apply with a partner from the same city or community; each partner submits a separate application and names the other
• Solo applicants are welcome and accepted solo participants will be paired by location and interests
• Questions go to stevensinitiative@aspeninstitute.org
• A partnership between the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute and MBZUAI, supported by the government of the United Arab Emirates

• Aged at least 18 and no older than 24 on September 24, 2026
• Currently residing in the United Arab Emirates or the United States
• Access to a computer, reliable internet, a microphone and a webcam
• A bank account in your own name that can accept transfers from US organisations (requested only if selected)
• Available for all required dates: Learning Lab, Ideas Lab, Day of Action and the culminating celebration