Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026: Win Up to $15,000 in Funding for Youth-Led Projects
Applicant criteria
- 18 - 30
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The Global Innovation Challenge 2026, launched by Social Shifters, is a global initiative designed to support young changemakers who are leading projects, startups, or social enterprises addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. The competition offers participants the opportunity to secure funding, gain international visibility for their initiatives, receive expert support and mentorship, and connect with a global network of young leaders and innovators. The challenge focuses on solutions that contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrate measurable positive impact within communities.
Target Audience
- Social entrepreneurs.
- Founders of startups with social or environmental impact.
- Leaders of community initiatives.
- Young people developing solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Projects and teams that demonstrate real, measurable, and sustainable impact.
Benefits
- Multiple funding awards of up to USD 15,000 per project.
- Free application support to help participants strengthen their submissions and improve their chances of success.
- Access to specialized learning resources and training materials for social entrepreneurs.
- Mentoring and capacity-building sessions for shortlisted finalists.
- One-on-one Pitch Coaching to enhance presentation and communication skills.
- Access to a global network of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
- Additional opportunities including fellowships, internships, employment opportunities, and professional networking.
- International exposure for selected projects through connections with global partners, organizations, and leading brands.
Eligibility criteria
- The project or organization must be 100% youth-led.
- The primary founders or leaders must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- The founders must hold genuine decision-making authority within the project or enterprise.
- The project must address a clearly defined social or environmental challenge.
- The initiative must already be operational and demonstrate tangible results or measurable impact.
- The project must contribute to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
See also: Various and Outstanding International Awards and Competitions