Who can apply for The ILSS - KCADT AI AWARDS 2026?

Indian non-profits (registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company) that have implemented AI-based solutions for social impact are eligible to apply.

What qualifies as an AI-based solution?

A solution where machine learning, natural-language processing, computer vision or similar AI methods are central to how it delivers impact, not just a dashboard or basic automation.

Can early-stage ideas or prototypes apply?

The awards prioritise solutions piloted with real users in the field. Very early prototypes with no deployment are usually not a fit yet.

Are for-profits eligible?

Yes. For-profit social purpose organisations are eligible to apply. Service providers working with impact organisations are not eligible.

Is there a theme restriction?

No single theme, solutions across health, education, livelihoods, governance, climate and beyond are all welcome.

What kind of impact are you looking for?

We are looking for solutions that address meaningful challenges. Impact can be direct (e.g., improved outcomes) or systemic (e.g., improved policy design, data-driven decision-making).

How does the evaluation process work?

Applications will be assessed against five criteria: Solution Design & Outcomes, Adoption & Community Validation, Responsible AI & Team Capability, Cost Efficiency, and Relevance & Alignment. A jury of experts will review submissions. Selected applicants may be invited for a solution demonstration and Q&A.

How do you evaluate Responsible AI?

Responsible AI refers to the design, development, and deployment of AI systems that prioritise fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, and the minimisation of bias or harm. In evaluation, we will assess whether your solution: Ensures fairness and avoids discrimination. Protects data privacy and security. Is transparent about how AI decisions are made. Considers the broader social and environmental impact.

Is there a cash award or funding associated?

Yes. Winners of The ILSS - KCADT AI AWARDS 2026 will receive the following cash prizes: 1st Prize – ₹20 Lakhs 2nd Prize – ₹10 Lakhs 3rd Prize – ₹5 Lakhs Each (3 category winners) People's Choice – ₹5 Lakhs

What recognition will winners receive?

Beyond the cash awards, selected winners will also be profiled and featured at India Fundraising Conference (IFRC) and Digital Toolbook for Social Impact (DT4SI), the sector’s first digital knowledge platform for social impact. This visibility is designed to amplify their work, inspire others, and strengthen the overall AI-for-social-good ecosystem in India.

What if we miss the submission deadline?

We hope you don’t! We may make some considerations. In case of personal or professional exigencies, do reach out to us at aiawards@indialeadersforsocialsector.com .

Can I resubmit if I make an error or miss a document?

All submissions are final. Please be careful and detail-oriented when creating and submitting the application.

Unsure if you qualify?

Register your interest anyway, our team will review your solution and guide you on eligibility before the form opens.

Can I apply again if I participated in the AI Awards last year?

Yes. Previous-year applicants can apply again, provided they are submitting a new or substantially different AI solution from their previous submission.

Can a previous-year award winner apply again?

Yes. Previous-year award winners can apply again, provided the new submission meets the eligibility criteria and is for a new or substantially different AI solution from the one previously awarded.

The ILSS - KCADT
AI AWARDS 2026

Recognising non-profits and social purpose organisations across India that use AI to tackle real-world challenges and create measurable, inclusive impact.

Voting Opens Nov 19 KF Tech Awards 2025

Impact

Demonstrate how your AI expands reach, improves beneficiary outcomes and enhances efficiency

Innovate

Present unique and practical AI solutions to solve real-world social challenges

Inspire

Share your learnings openly to strengthen the sector. Get featured on leading platforms like ILSS and other events.

Awards & Recognition

First Prize

₹20 Lakhs

Second Prize

₹10 Lakhs

Third Prize (X3)

₹5 Lakhs Each

People's Choice

₹5 Lakhs

Recognition Beyond the Award

Featured in Digital Toolbook for Social Impact (DT4SI)

Showcase your AI solution on the Digital Toolbook for Social Impact (DT4SI) platform, helping nonprofits and social purpose organisations discover proven AI for Good initiatives.

Be Part of the KCADT Community

Join a community of practitioners advancing Responsible AI and AI innovation through knowledge sharing and expert-led conversations.

Participate in IFRC

Present your AI innovation at the India Fundraising Conference (IFRC) 2027, a premier gathering of leaders from across the social impact sector.

How it works

The Award Process

Open Now

25 Aug 2026

Registration of interest

01 / 05

Register Your Interest

Tell us about your organisation and AI solution. We will share the application details and guide you through the process.

Deadline

11 Oct 2026

Applications close

02 / 05

Submit Your Application

Submit details of your AI solution, measurable social impact and supporting documents through the application portal.

Two Days

3–4 Dec 2026

Jury presentations

03 / 05

Present to the Jury

Shortlisted organisations present their AI innovation, demonstrate real-world impact, and participate in a live Q&A.

Three Weeks

19 Nov – 18 Dec

Audience poll open

04 / 05

Audience Poll

Finalists showcase their AI solution for audience poll and wider recognition across the social impact ecosystem.

Finale

17 Feb 2027

Awards night, Delhi

05 / 05

Awards Finale

Join us in Delhi at the India Fundraising Conference (IFRC) for the final presentations and announcement of The ILSS - KCADT AI Awards 2026.

Open Now

25 Aug 2026

Registration of interest

Deadline

11 Oct 2026

Applications close

Two Days

3–4 Dec 2026

Jury presentations

Three Weeks

19 Nov – 18 Dec

Audience poll open

Finale

17 Feb 2027

Awards night, Delhi

01 / 05

Register Your Interest

Tell us about your organisation and AI solution. We will share the application details and guide you through the process.

02 / 05

Submit Your Application

Submit details of your AI solution, measurable social impact and supporting documents through the application portal.

03 / 05

Present to the Jury

Shortlisted organisations present their AI innovation, demonstrate real-world impact, and participate in a live Q&A.

04 / 05

Audience Poll

Finalists showcase their AI solution for audience poll and wider recognition across the social impact ecosystem.

05 / 05

Awards Finale

Join us in Delhi at the India Fundraising Conference (IFRC) for the final presentations and announcement of The ILSS - KCADT AI Awards 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility Criteria

Registered organisation

Be a registered Indian nonprofit or social-purpose organisation.

AI at the core

Your AI solution should be central to solving the problem, not just an added feature.

Responsible AI practices

Follow ethical, safe and responsible AI practices throughout design and deployment.

Clear value & impact

Demonstrate clear social impact and value relative to the cost of running the solution.

Ready to scale

Have the capability to operate, maintain and responsibly scale your AI solution.

Open to documentation

Be willing to document your AI solution as an open case study on the Digital Toolbook for Social Impact (DT4SI) platform.

Note: Previous-year applicants

Finalists from the KF TECH AWARDS 2025 are eligible to apply again, provided the submission is for a new or substantially different AI solution.

How Winners Are Chosen

Evaluation Parameters

Solution Design & Outcomes

The effectiveness of the AI solution in addressing the challenge, and the measurable value and outcomes created through its implementation.

Adoption & Community Validation

Evidence of meaningful adoption, user engagement, and validation from the communities and stakeholders the solution serves.

Responsible AI & Team Capability

Responsible development and implementation of the solution, supported by the skills and capabilities needed to manage and sustain it effectively.

Cost Efficiency

The value delivered by the solution relative to the cost and resources required to implement and operate it.

Relevance & Alignment

The solution addresses a meaningful need and aligns with organisational goals and broader social impact objectives.

AI Awards 2026 - Jury Panel

Each finalist solution is evaluated by a panel of senior leaders with expertise spanning.

Chandrika Bahadur

Chief Executive Officer,
The Antara Foundation

Geeta Goel

Co-Founder, Translation Endeavors

Board member, Ashoka University

Prithvijit Roy

Ex-Sr. MD, Accenture

Angel Investor and Growth Advisor, AI startups

Sanjeev Prasad

Ex Global CIO, Genpact

Board Member, ILSS

Advisor, QCI

Shaveta Sharma Kukreja

Trustee & Advisory Board, Central Square Foundation

Advisory Board, ILSS

KF TECH Awards 2025

Applications

Finalists

Winners

Total Awarded Prize Pool

Winners

1^st

Adalat AI: AI-Enabled Courtroom Operations Accelerating Justice Delivery

Read Case Study ↗

2^nd

Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS)

Read Case Study ↗

Vowels of the People Association

Read Case Study ↗

3^rd

Farmers for Forests

Read Case Study ↗

Civic Innovation Foundation 'Civis'

Read Case Study ↗

ARMMAN

Read Case Study ↗

Audience Choice

★

SNEHA (Society for Nutrition Education and Health Action)

Read Case study ↗

Finalists

Ekho Foundation - Rocket Learning

Read Case study ↗

I-Saksham Education and Learning Foundation

Read Case study ↗

The Apprentice Project (TAP)

Read Case study ↗

Udhyam Learning Foundation

Read Case study ↗

William J Clinton Foundation

Read Case study ↗

Gallery

Award Ceremony

Winners

Showcase Area

Panel

Stage

Questions? We've got answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?

We're here to help you figure out if your solution is a fit.

Get in touch

Take part

Showcase Your Innovation

Getting started is simple. Register your interest today and we will send you the application link. Then submit your AI solution, measurable social impact and supporting documents before the deadline.

Applications Closed

A Simple Application Process Share your AI solution, its impact and supporting evidence.

Recognition Beyond the Prize Compete for the ₹50 lakhs prize pool, national recognition, and the opportunity to showcase your AI Innovation on the Digital Toolbook for Social Impact (DT4SI) platform and at the India Fundraising Conference (IFRC) 2027..

Organisation Name *

Website / Public Profile Link *

Name of Contact Person *

Designation *

Organisation Email Address *

Mobile Number *

Organisation type *

Section 8 Company Trust / Societies Pvt. Ltd / LLP

I agree to the terms and conditions *

Note: Post Registration, application form will be sent through email as a next step

Audience Choice Awards open on 19 November 2026

Thank You for Participating!

Applications for The ILSS – KCADT AI Awards 2026 are now closed.

Thank you all for the overwhelming response.

Stay tuned — the Audience Choice Awards opens on 19 November 2026, giving you the chance to champion your favourite AI solution.

Audience Choice Awards

The ILSS - KCADT AI AWARDS 2026

Impact

Innovate

Inspire

Awards & Recognition

Recognition Beyond the Award

Featured in Digital Toolbook for Social Impact (DT4SI)

Be Part of the KCADT Community

Participate in IFRC

Recognised, by Focus Area

The Award Process

Register Your Interest

Submit Your Application

Present to the Jury

Audience Poll

Awards Finale

Register Your Interest

Submit Your Application

Present to the Jury

Audience Poll

Awards Finale

Eligibility Criteria

Registered organisation

AI at the core

Responsible AI practices

Clear value & impact

Ready to scale

Open to documentation

Evaluation Parameters

Solution Design & Outcomes

Adoption & Community Validation

Responsible AI & Team Capability

Cost Efficiency

Relevance & Alignment

AI Awards 2026 - Jury Panel

Chandrika Bahadur

Geeta Goel

Prithvijit Roy

Sanjeev Prasad

Shaveta Sharma Kukreja

KF TECH Awards 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?

Showcase Your Innovation

Thank You for Participating!

The ILSS - KCADT
AI AWARDS 2026