17/02/2026
Teens in AI announces the launch of its 9th International Women’s Day Global Techathon flagship programme
Burgas, Bulgaria, 03 February 2026 – Teens in AI, a UK-based global social impact initiative dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies through collaborative, hands-on learning experiences, launches its 2026 flagship International Women’s Day Global Techathon campaign. Now in its 9th year, the programme will run from January to April 2026, empowering young people to use technology for social good and contribute to building a more equitable world.
In a remarkable display of collaboration and innovation, the local team, guided by Vanessa Montiel Ruiz, reached the finals, marking a significant achievement in Zapopan, Jalisco, México. This accomplishment was supported by GDG Guadalajara / Women Techmakers / INGENIA, whose contributions were pivotal in realising the event's success.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Teens in AI runs annual, distributed Global Techathons inspiring teens aged 12 to 18 to collaborate on real-world challenges using AI and Data Science, guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The hackathon-style programme is delivered both in-person and virtually.
For over a century, International Women’s Day has celebrated progress and collective action, inspiring initiatives that create lasting impact. The 2026 theme, ‘Give to Gain’, reflects Teens in AI’s commitment to building a culture of generosity and collaboration in the AI community. By sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities, we empower young people - especially girls - to participate fully in shaping the AI landscape. With women representing just 22% of data and AI professionals worldwide, according to UNESCO, initiatives that give time, mentorship, and expertise are crucial for driving equity and inclusion.
Teens in AI Founder and CEO, Elena Sinel, adds: “‘Give to Gain’ reminds us that the most powerful change happens when we invest in each other. By offering guidance, sharing opportunities, and supporting young people in their AI journeys, we create a cycle of growth and impact that benefits everyone. At Teens in AI, we are committed to nurturing curiosity, collaboration, and confidence in the next generation, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are equipped not only with skills, but with the mindset to make a positive difference.”
A representative from the Sponsor/Partner Organisation, a key partner in the campaign, stated: “We are delighted to support an initiative that not only promotes technological skills among the youth but also emphasises the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in tech. Seeing these young talents reach the finals is a testament to the effectiveness of hands-on, collaborative learning.”
The 2026 programme will bring participants together from over 80 locations around the world from the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, to Asia and the Middle East. Participants will explore AI, Data Science, and Design Thinking, and see how these fields intersect with other industries. In addition to local Design Sprints, core skills workshops in AI Ethics, Design Thinking, and Pitching will be offered in English, French, German, and Spanish. In 2025, we had techathons delivered in 23 languages across 19 countries.
The 2026 theme is exemplified by Sarra, a young leader from Tunisia, who embodies the spirit of ‘Give to Gain’. Since joining her first IWD techathon in 2021, she has mentored teams, led workshops, and supported international participants - showing how giving time and knowledge fuels both personal growth and community impact. Named one of ‘500 Rise’ finalists in 2024 for an app that fights procrastination, she most recently attended the Yale Young African Scholars Summit in 2025, tackling youth unemployment, and winning the Afro-Imagineering award. Sarra’s journey demonstrates how generosity and leadership can open doors to global opportunities.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 programme is expanding! We are kicking off with Inspiration Week in the last week of January (coinciding with the UN’s International Day of Education), followed by local Design Sprints in February (marking International Day of Women and Girls in Science). Bootcamp Week takes place in March, leading into the Global Techathons later that month (coinciding with International Women’s Day). The programme concludes in April with a Virtual Panel and Global Demo Day on 23 April (aligning with International Girls in Information and Communications Technology Day). Each stage offers participants new opportunities to learn, create, and collaborate.
