Everything we get asked
The short list is on the challenge page. This is the rest — dates, teams, tools, and what shortlisted students get.
Who can join?
Filipino high school students in Grades 9–12. Join solo or with classmates. STEM clubs, student councils, AWS Student Clubs, and complete beginners all use the same form.
Is there a fee?
No. Applying and submitting are both free.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. You need a real barangay problem and a working prototype. Use BSD (a free builder), no-code tools, AI tools, or any tools you already know. You do not need a coding portfolio.
What is BSD?
BSD is a free prototype builder. It is the fastest way to make something judges can open, even if you have never made an app. A tutorial will be linked on this page. You can also use your own tools.
What counts as a prototype?
Something a judge can open, watch, or try — not a slide deck alone. A simple website, chatbot, request form, dashboard, matching tool, or a well-documented no-code build all count.
What do I need to submit?
Three things: the barangay problem (who is affected, where, why it matters), a link to a working prototype, and a 5-minute pitch video. That is Round 1. Finalists later do a 7-minute live pitch.
Can I join with friends?
Yes. Solo or team — your call. Keep the team small enough that everyone actually builds.
Can more than one team from the same school or barangay apply?
Yes. Several teams from one school or barangay can apply, as long as each project is original.
When do applications open?
Applications open on 8 September 2026. You can still join after the 16 September kick-off.
When is the deadline?
Submissions close on 23 September 2026. Shortlist results will be announced on 25 September. The final pitch is on 10 October.
How much time does this take?
Plan on a few hours a week from 8 September until 23 September. You can move faster. This is not a 48-hour lock-in. Most students will build from home or school.
Is this in person or online?
You can build from home or school. The internship is virtual. Round 1 is a video plus a prototype link. The 10 October final is a live pitch — shortlisted teams will get the details.
I missed the 16 September kick-off. Can I still join?
Yes. The kick-off helps, but it is not required. You can still apply and submit until 23 September.
What do shortlisted teams get?
A 4–6 week virtual internship with Young Founders School, mentorship before the final pitch, access to AI tools, and access to YFS's global mentor network — including UBS, Jubilant, Morgan Stanley, Tata Consultancy Services, and Panasonic. The top 3 teams get three extra months of mentorship to try the idea in their barangay.
How many people will be shortlisted?
We are aiming for about 100 complete submissions, then a shortlist of roughly 40–50 students for mentorship and the internship.
What if I don't have a laptop or stable internet?
Use a school computer or a public library if you can. Ask a teacher if you need help finding a place to work.
Do I have to solve a huge national problem?
No. Specific beats huge. "Help three streets get flood updates" is stronger than "fix climate change."
What language should the pitch be in?
English or Filipino. Be clear. Judges need the problem, the prototype, and who it helps.
Who organizes this?
Build for BarangAI is facilitated by AI Alerts by YGG Pilipinas. Shortlisted teams intern with Young Founders School and get access to YFS's global mentor network.
Will my submission be public?
It may be featured if you are shortlisted or win. Do not put other people's private details in your prototype or video.
I'm a teacher or parent. What should I know?
It is free, open to Grades 9–12, and beginners are welcome. The internship is virtual. Share this page. Use the question form if you want a briefing.
Who do I contact if I'm stuck?
Use the question form on this page. Include your name, school, and whether you need help applying, building, or submitting.