Application Deadline: August 31st, 2026
LOCATION: Multiple Regions
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026 is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing grant funding awards, connection to a global community high performing young leaders, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible to apply, your social startup must be:
100% YOUTH-LED – Founders leading the startup or project must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of submission and have clear decision-making authority.
IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups and projects must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and must already be delivering some measurable social outputs and impact.
Can provide official government-issued identification to verify age
Represent the primary driving force behind their project’s development
To enter the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge your idea must contribute to at least one of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Entrants must be able to demonstrate that young people hold a majority stake (51% or more) in the group or startup behind the project, and that clear decision-making authority is held by individuals in the eligible age range. Projects that are part of a larger, established business or nonprofit organization cannot apply.
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
Genuine youth leadership
Measurable social or environmental impact
Innovative approach to addressing global challenges
Potential for meaningful, scalable change
BENEFIT:
Grant Funding Awards: Multiple awards of up to $15,000 USD for genuinely youth-led, up-and-running projects and startups.
Free Founder Support: They help you build a strong application before you submit. Free learning resources are available from the moment you register, alongside connection to a global community of young social leaders like you.
Your Opportunities Gateway: Your journey with us doesn’t end with the competition. As you progress, you’ll unlock incremental access to opportunities, including paid work, fellowships, networking, and learning experiences!
