Global Innovation Challenge 2026
Awards up to $15,000 to youth-led startups tackling a social or environmental problem.
Social Shifters, a Scottish charity, runs this challenge to back young founders already delivering social or environmental impact through a startup or project. After registering, applicants submit an entry addressing at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal, choosing from themed tracks covering refugees, climate, education and water. Reviewers score every submission before a shortlist of final…
The challenge backs founders aged 18 to 30 who are already running a social-impact or environmental-impact project or startup, with clear decision-making authority over it. Entries must tie to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal, with themed tracks covering refugees, climate, education and water.
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Guides for this application
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