Deadline: 29th August, 2025
Young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs everywhere are rising up to take action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most.
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing project funding, unique leadership learning, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
BenefitsÂ
- Grant Funding Awards
Multiple grant awards available – from $3,000 to $15,000 USD – one submission makes you eligible for multiple award opportunities.
- Free Founder & Project Support
They will help founders to develop a strong submission, provide access to exclusive learning materials and a pitch coach to all finalists.
- Global Opportunities Network
Applicants gain exclusive access to all-year-round opportunities including more grants, paid work and training opportunities.
Eligibility
- Age Requirements
The Global Innovation Challenge is exclusively open to individuals who:
• Are between 18 and 30 years old on or before the submission deadline
• Can provide official government-issued identification to verify age
• Represent the primary driving force behind their project’s development
2. Leadership by Young People
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.
Special Provisions for Organizational Projects
Subdivisions of larger nonprofits or businesses are eligible only if:
• Young founders have complete autonomy
• The project has distinct operational independence
• Leadership and strategic direction are primarily youth-driven
3. Geographic Accessibility
Entrants and projects can be located anywhere in the world.
Country Restrictions
Submissions will NOT be accepted from the following countries, which are subject to UK
government financial sanctions:
• Russia
• Belarus
• Syria
• North Korea
• Iran
• Cuba
• Venezuela
4. Impact and Mission Requirements
Social Impact Mandate
• Submissions must demonstrate a clear, direct, and positive social or environmental
impact
• Must align with at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
Organizational Structure
Submissions are welcome from:
• For-profit ventures
• Nonprofit organizations
• Unregistered initiatives
Registration Status
• The groups or startups submitting the project can be legally registered or unregistered
• If registered, the organization must have been incorporated no earlier than five years
before the submission deadline.
For more information and application
