TOY8 Holdings Inc. (hereinafter "TOY8"), a developer of inclusive education solutions powered by AI technology, announced on March 18 that it has been named a top startup in the "Top Startups Leveraging AI to Improve Learning and Upskilling" global competition. The event is part of the "AI for Good Innovation Factory," organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with over 50 United Nations agencies.
Out of hundreds of applications worldwide, five companies were chosen as finalists following a rigorous document review. Following a pitch session held online on March 17, 2026 (local time), TOY8 emerged as the winning startup. This victory grants the company a spot in the Grand Finale of the "AI for Good Global Summit 2026," which will take place in person on July 9 at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
TOY8 operates under the mission of "delivering early screening and intervention to every child." By evolving Japan’s infant checkup system through AI technology, TOY8 has deployed AI-driven developmental screening for children aged 3 to 5, primarily in Southeast Asia. To date, the company has screened over 15,000 children across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. This track record was highly evaluated as a leading example of the social implementation of AI in the field of education.
In addition to preparing for the Grand Finale in July, TOY8 plans to accelerate its service expansion across Asia and its reverse-engineering efforts back into the Japanese market. The company aims to leverage technology to bring early detection and intervention for developmental delays—which are often overlooked due to a shortage of specialists—to children worldwide.
Masaki Ishibashi, Co-founder & CEO of TOY8, commented: "We want to provide early screening and intervention to every child. Our mission is to spread inclusive education globally through the power of technology. We look forward to sharing TOY8’s vision with the world on the United Nations stage this July."
■ About AI for Good Innovation Factory
AI for Good is the leading United Nations platform, organized by the ITU in partnership with 50+ UN sister agencies, designed to identify practical applications of AI to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its core program, the Innovation Factory, is a global competition that identifies and supports AI startups with high social impact. Finalists receive global mentorship, networking opportunities, and support for fundraising.
The Grand Finale will feature four top startups from various fields such as education, healthcare, and robotics, with the winner receiving a $20,000 USD prize. The finalists will pitch their solutions to global policymakers, investors, and educators at the UN Headquarters.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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TOY8 Holdings Inc. (Official Site)
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TOY8 Holdings Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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AI for Good (Official Site)
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AI for Good Innovation Factory
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Pitch Competition Official Video (YouTube)
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