Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026

About

An opportunity for youth-led startups to secure funding and support for projects addressing social or environmental issues, providing access to a global network and resources to enhance their impact.

Benefits

• 💰Financial Support
  Multiple awards of up to $15,000 USD for youth-led projects
• 🎓Application Support
  Free founder support to build a strong application
• 🌐Community Access
  Access to a global community of young social leaders and incremental opportunities including paid work and fellowships.

Eligibility Criteria

• 100% YOUTH-LED – Founders must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of submission
• IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups must address a defined social or environmental issue and deliver measurable social outputs
• Must provide official government-issued identification to verify age.

Participation Commitments

• Must submit a complete application by the deadline
• Participation in pitch coaching if selected as a finalist
• Commitment to deliver measurable impact through the funded project.

Target Region

Global

Target Sector

All sectors