PROGRAM DETAILS
HP AI Debate Challenge: Exciting Debates & Prizes to Shape Your Future
Ready to test your ideas, sharpen your voice, and step onto a stage that matters? The HP AI Debate Challenge, powered by AIDEN and HP, brings ambitious teens together to question, argue, and reimagine the future of AI.
Last year, 48 students took the mic to debate the toughest questions in technology. This year, we’re scaling up to invite students across the UAE will battle through virtual rounds for a chance to stand in the finals at the HP Innovation Garage in Dubai - where industry leaders and innovators will be watching, judging, and providing feedback.
With HP by your side and AIDEN’s unique philosophy guiding you, you’ll get:
- Standout portfolio: Position papers, briefs, and showcases ready for uni apps or LinkedIn.
- Next-level debate skills: Think fast, argue with impact, and own the stage.
- Recognition that counts: An HP × AIDEN certificate and digital badge to share.
- Prizes that matter: Top performers earn a spot in AIDEN’s Industry Horizons Program & build their network.
Age Group
13–17 y/o
Dates
October 24th - 26th, 2025
Format
Hybrid - Virtual first round; Finals @ HP Innovation Garage
Application Fee
$120/AED 440 per team of 3 students
Apply Now
PROGRAM AGENDA
What the challenge looks like
Day 1 - Virtual Qualifiers
The debates begin. Students across the UAE log in, face off in live virtual rounds, and showcase their ability to argue, question, and think on their feet. Only the top voices will advance to the finals. Topics will be provided a few days prior.
Online Debate
Critical Thinking
Quick-Fire Skills
Day 2 - Semi-Finals at HP Innovation Garage
Finalists step into HP’s cutting-edge Innovation Garage in Dubai. Surrounded by mentors and industry experts, students battle it out in high-stakes debates that test depth, clarity, and confidence.
In-Person Debate
Collaboration
Global Issues
Day 3 - Grand Finals & Recognition
The ultimate stage. Final teams present their strongest cases, judged by technologists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Winners walk away with certifications, micro-internships, and a spot in AIDEN’s Industry Horizons Program.
Live Finals
Storytelling
Prizes
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PROGRAM LOGISTICS
How the Debate Works
FORMAT
World Schools Debate style (3 speakers per team, alternating sides).
TOPICS
A pool of topics will be released a few days before the challenge to give students time to prepare.
ROUNDS
Qualifiers - online - 24.10.2025
Semi-finals - HP Innovation Garage - 25.10.2025
Finals - HP Innovation Garage 26.10.2025
JUDGING
Based on clarity, evidence, teamwork, and impact.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Your Takeaways from the Challenge
It’s more than winning rounds. Here’s what you’ll take with you long after the final debate ends.
Confidence on Stage
Stand tall, think fast, and make your voice heard in front of peers and professionals.
Recognition that Counts
An official HP × AIDEN certificate plus a digital badge to share and prove your achievement.
Portfolio that Stands Out
Debate briefs, position papers, and showcases you can highlight in university apps or on LinkedIn.
A Netwrok of Mentors
Connect with the judges - who are industry experts, entrepreneurs, and technologists.
MENTORS & FACILITATORS
Meet Some of Our Judges & Facilitators
Lavina Punjabi
Sustainability Lead, HP
Joshua Uwaifo
Chief AI Officer, Oxbridge Initiative
Lara Matossian
Founder, HappyHub
HOW TO APPLY
Application Process
1 - Choose a team captain & submit the application
Fill the application form with your details, your parents/guardians details, and the same for each team member.
2 - Confirmation e-mail & payment
Our team will confirm your spot in the 2026 AI Debate Challenge and share a payment link.
3 - Preparation materials & debate topics
You’ll receive study resources and potential debate topics a few days before the challenge so your team can prepare.
4 -Virtual round & finals assignment
Compete in the online qualifiers. If you advance, you’ll be assigned a spot in the finals at HP Innovation Garage, Dubai.
Apply Now
TUITION
Program Costs
$120 USD
$500
AED 480
AED 1940
We're committed to making high-quality AI education accessible. Our pricing is transparent and includes everything you need to succeed from day one of your AI learning journey. We use Stripe for secure and easy payments. You can pay with any major credit or debit card through our checkout portal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structure of a World Schools Debate?
Each debate has two teams (Proposition and Opposition) with three speakers each. Every debater gives one main speech (8 minutes), followed by shorter reply speeches (4 minutes). Opposing teams can ask questions through “Points of Information.” Judges score based on content (arguments), style (delivery), and strategy (teamwork and structure).
What are the speaker roles in a World Schools Debate?
Each team has three speakers:
First Speaker – sets up the team’s case, defines key terms, and presents main arguments.
Second Speaker – adds new arguments, rebuts the other side’s points, and strengthens their case.
Third Speaker – focuses on rebuttal and summarizing their team’s position (no new arguments).
Reply Speech – delivered by either the first or second speaker; summarizes & shows why their side should win.
Are there age groups in the HP AI Debate Challenge?
Yes. To keep the competition fair and engaging, debates will run in two divisions: Juniors (ages 13–14) and Seniors (ages 15–17). Each division will have its own rounds and winners.
How are topics selected for Round 1?
A list of potential debate topics will be shared a couple of weeks in advance so teams can research and prepare. On debate day, the organizers will assign one topic from this list. Teams then have 15 minutes to prepare before the round begins.
How do teams advance to Round 2?
Teams that win their Round 1 debate move on to the in-person finals at HP’s Innovation Garage in Dubai. Advancement is based on clear arguments, effective rebuttals, and strong teamwork.
Apply Now
Level up your public speaking skills.
Ready to challenge yourself and be part of a memorable & exciting event? Gather your team of 3 and apply below. All applications for the 2025 AI Challenge must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on October 15th, 2025.
Apply Now