SUBMISSION PHASE
CompletedCOMMUNITY VOTING
16. Jan – 28. JanJURY VOTING
19. Jan – 13. FebWINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
Mid of FebruaryDo you know that still 2.6 billion people in this world have no or almost no access to the Internet?
We’re talking about communities who are often left behind and cannot (fully) benefit from digital opportunities. Is there a way digital tools can help to open opportunities for all?
Photo credit: Tamia Lorraine Hinds
We all know that digital tools are super powerful. But most of the time, we don’t think about the fact that they are often designed for those who already have access. We also tend to “forget” that many digital solutions are not developed in socially inclusive or locally relevant ways.
For example, AI systems are often trained on data that do not represent marginalized communities, making their outcomes biased or less useful for those who need them most.
You might think now: “Hey, this topic is really broad?!” Yes, it is!
Now it’s your turn:
We are looking for feasible ideas from all over the world on how digital tools can empower marginalized people, foster equal opportunities and serve everyone.
Mit dem Klick auf das Bild werden durch den mit uns gemeinsam Verantwortlichen Youtube (Google Ireland Limited) das Video abgespielt, auf Ihrem PC Skripte geladen sowie personenbezogene Daten erfasst.
Video produced by Christopher Jerome Jr Anderson
To give you some inspiration: ideas on digital inclusion could target affordability, accessibility, digital literacy, locally relevant content, or co-design with marginalized communities — including people in extreme poverty, persons with disabilities, women and girls, indigenous populations, and displaced people.
You might also want to explore the Wheel of Privilege to reflect on which target groups you can focus your ideas on and how your digital solutions could help balance existing inequalities.
These experts are looking forward to evaluating your ideas:
Ana Alibegova
Business and External Affairs Strategist
Independent consultant
Srijan Banik
AI & Blockchain Integration
UNCDF
© FH Salzburg
Eva Brucker
Dean
Innovation and Management in Tourism
University of Applied Sciences Salzburg
Ed Canela
Freelance Consultant
Co-Founder
Fodeography
Maria-Clarissa Canete
Senior Lecturer
University of Applied Sciences Hochschule Campus Wien
Mili Dangwal
Senior Officer, Media and Communications
Digital Empowerment Foundation
Joshua Fugar
Cybersecurity Researcher
University of Cape Town
Merem Hassen
Software Engingeer
Dynatrace
Julia Hinkel
Regenerative Organizational Developer
re:ground
Andreea Ianosiu
Teacher
self-employed
P. Vigneswara Ilavarasan
Abdulaziz Alsagar Chair Professor
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Annika Doreen Maurer
Founder
Intercultural Connections
Valentina Mena
Project Manager
Südtiroler Transportinfrastrukturen AG
Angela Mariottiz
Research Assistent
Universidad Sergio Arboleda
Navina Mutabazi
Digital Innovations & AI Strategist
Independent Consultant
Cecilia Nanfuka
Advocate for digital literacy and inclusive innovation
Luís Neves Domingos
Director of the Informatics Centre
Eduardo Mondlane University
Answer Nzuma
Director International Projects
Limitless Institute Pvt.
Ajintha Pathmanathan
CEO
Stealth
Timo Rostedt
Lead Designer
Gofore
Ron Salaj
Founder
Meaning Making
Dorothea Schaffner
Professor
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Leticia Luna Tlatelpa
Computer Scientist
Board Member
Network of International Women in Austria
Tim Unwin
Emeritus Professor of Geography
Royal Holloway University of London
These mentors are looking forward to coaching the winning teams:
Chris Bauer
ICT Specialist and Event Manager
Bauer & Associates
Sanja Cancar
AI Governance and Project Management
Simon Kranzer
Senior Lecturer
University of Applied Sciences Salzburg
Karin Kuranda
Development Policy Specialist
Globale Verantwortung
Petra Meyer
Senior Lecturer
Team Innovation & Entrepreneurship
University Innsbruck
Paul Spiesberger-Höckner
Operative Head Research Group ROTA
INSO
Florian Sturm
Facilitator and process designer
Loop3
Prizes
1. Place: € 500
2. Place: € 300
3. Place: € 200
In addition:
🚀 Up to € 5,000 project funding from ICT4D.at to implement your idea
💡 Mentorship Program (February–April 2026, optional)
🔧 Participation in the ICT4D.at Project Forge on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (online, optional)
Winners Announcement and Award Ceremony
The Winners Announcement and Award Ceremony will take place mid of February 2026.
Questions? Contact us!
Birgit Kolb
E: info@ideaspace.cc