Deadline:
August 31, 2026
Location(s)
Online
Overview
Details
Young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs everywhere are rising up to take action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most. 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.
BE PART OF THE SOCIAL SHIFT
Young people are increasingly anxious about their future and the future of the planet, and losing trust in both government and big business to deliver meaningful change. These young ‘Social Shifters’ everywhere are rising up around the climate crisis, volunteering in record numbers, and actively pursuing lives and livelihoods which align with their values.
Social Shifters is an international charity helping the next generation of young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to tackle the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues in new ways.
Together, with a coalition of the world’s leading businesses, our award winning Global Innovation Challenge inspires action, develops essential leadership skills, and helps to accelerate the most impactful youth-led social startups on the planet.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
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.
Dates
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
1) GRANT FUNDING AWARDS
Multiple awards of up to $15,000 USD for genuinely youth-led, up-and-running projects and startups delivering social or environmental impact in communities.
2) FREE FOUNDER SUPPORT
We 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.
3) 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!
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
