Deadline: August 31, 2026
Applications are open for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026. The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing grant funding awards, connection to a global community of high performing young leaders, and exclusive exposure through some of the world’s biggest brands.
If you’re a young founder (aged 18-30 years) leading a project or startup already delivering social impact on the ground – the Global Innovation Challenge 2026 is for you.
Benefits
- 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!
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.
Application
For more information, visit Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge.
