T Challenge 2026: More than secure networks – a new era of communication Apply now!
The T Challenge is our stage to recognize pioneering solutions and award outstanding innovators with a broad network full of opportunities. This year, our focus is on building the AI-native telco – creating autonomous, customer-focused, and intent-based telecommunications networks. We invite researchers, startups, and tech pioneers to share their visions for intelligent networks and enhanced customer experiences, elevated by the power of AI.
Ideas have the power to change the world forever. Thoughts that are born inside genius minds can be truly mind-blowing and deserve all the attention in the world. But here’s the twist: if these ideas are not shared, they lose all their power.
That’s why T-Mobile US and Deutsche Telekom want to make sure great ideas are seen and heard. We set the stage for the greatest talent, brightest minds, and most creative visions, and transform them into real game-changers – by working on them, re-thinking them, and further developing them with a network of experts in the middle of the spotlight.
The T Challenge features a prize pool of up to €450,000, designed to reward visionary ideas, groundbreaking research, and impactful solutions. In addition to the three top awards and a special award, all nominees are invited to present their solutions at Deutsche Telekom’s headquarters in Bonn. This is a remarkable opportunity to engage with top decision-makers from both Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile US about business opportunities and showcase your ideas to a wide audience.
We call on ambitious researchers, developers, and startups worldwide to showcase revolutionary approaches to building the AI-native telco — creating autonomous, customer-focused, and intent-based networks that will transform the future of telecommunications.
Submit your ideas by December 5, 2025, and be part of a revolution in telecommunications: https://t-challenge.com
Save the date for the final Pitch & Award Show on April 28 – 29, 2026 at Telekom HQ in Bonn