Create AI Agents Championship 2026/27

The Create AI Agents Championship is run by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. It replaces the Create Apps Championship. Participants build an AI agent that can plan, use tools and act toward a goal.

There are four categories: Best Societal, Best Personal, Best Business and Best Youth AI Agent. Each category winner receives a USD 150,000 grant. One winner is also named AI Agent of the Year.

Anyone can enter, technical or not, alone or in a team of up to 6. The youth category is for team leads under 21. Entry is free. Entries must be original and at the idea, prototype or early MVP stage.

Registration opened on 7 October 2026. Workshops run in October and November, followed by a build phase with mentoring in November and December 2026. The page gives two closing dates for registration, December 2026 and January 2027, so check it before you wait.

Entrants submit a prototype, a pitch deck and a demo video in January 2027. 24 semi finalists join a tech accelerator in March 2027, and 12 finalists demo a working agent at the Grand Final in the first week of May 2027.

Quick answers

Can an existing business enter?

Yes, with a new AI agent capability that is not yet commercialised.

Can I reuse code from an existing repository?

No. The agent must not be copied from an existing repository.

How does a team register?

Each team member registers on their own.