On 20 May 2026, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the AI for Safer Roads Innovation Challenge—a global call for solutions that can turn mobility and GPS data into practical insights for safer speed limits and stronger road safety policies. 

Across many countries in Asia and the Pacific, data gaps continue to limit the ability to make informed road safety decisions. At the same time, large volumes of mobility data are already being generated every day. The challenge lies in translating this data into evidence that can inform policy and ultimately reduce road traffic deaths and injuries. 

The AI for Safer Roads Innovation Challenge responds to this need by inviting innovators to apply artificial intelligence and geospatial analytics to better understand risk on the road network and support evidence-based decision-making. The challenge is delivered by ADB with a range of global partners, including the World Bank Development Impact Group, AI for Good, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Asia-Pacific Road Safety Observatory (APRSO). 

The challenge is supported through funding from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), financed by the Government of Japan through ADB, and the High-Level Technology Fund (HLTF). 

🚦 Relevance for APRSO Member Countries 

For APRSO member countries, the challenge offers an opportunity to strengthen the use of data in road safety planning and policy. Eligible participants from member countries, partner institutions, and stakeholder organizations can:

• Explore practical applications of AI and geospatial analytics to assess road safety performance, including in settings where data systems are still developing
• Strengthen national capacity to generate, analyze, and apply road safety data in line with APRSO’s focus on evidence-based policy
• Participate in a global platform for innovation, with potential recognition, support, and opportunities to further develop and scale promising solutions  

🔍 Focus Areas 

The challenge is particularly interested in solutions that contribute to: 

• Safer speed management
• AI and mobility analytics
• GPS-based risk insights
• Evidence-based road safety policy 

 📅 How to Apply 

Applications are open to innovators, researchers, startups, and organizations. Apply via the ADB Challenges platform 👉 here 

🚨 Deadline for applications: 25 June 2026