Applications Open to Get to $15,000 in Global Innovation Challenge

Young entrepreneurs and changemakers with solutions to pressing social or environmental problems can now apply for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026.

This opportunity comes with multiple grant awards of up to $15,000 available to successful founders.

The global competition is designed for young impact founders aged 18 to 30 who are already running projects or startups that are delivering measurable social or environmental impact in their communities.

Organised by Social Shifters, a Scottish charity focused on supporting young social entrepreneurs, the challenge offers more than funding. Selected participants can access founder support, learning resources, global networking and opportunities to connect with organisations and potential partners.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open globally to founders who meet the programme’s key requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of submission.
• Be the founder, co-founder or leader of a project or startup, with clear decision-making authority.
• Be running a venture that is already delivering measurable social or environmental impact.
• Demonstrate that their solution addresses a clearly defined problem.
• Show how their work contributes to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The programme is therefore targeted at ventures that have moved beyond the idea stage and are already taking action in their communities.

Up to $15,000 in Grant Funding

Successful founders will compete for multiple grant awards, with individual awards reaching $15,000.

In addition to the financial support, finalists will receive one-to-one pitch coaching from professionals and experts associated with leading global companies. Participants can also gain international visibility and join the Social Shifters Collective, a global network of young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.

The programme also provides an Opportunities Gateway, through which participants can gain access to additional opportunities such as paid work, fellowships, networking and learning experiences.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026 challenge opened on June 1, 2026, while the final submission deadline is August 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UTC.

Following the application stage, submissions will be assessed in September and October, with finalists expected to be announced in October. Pitch coaching will begin thereafter, while the final pitching stage is scheduled for November. Grant-winning founders are expected to be announced in December 2026.

Why the Opportunity Matters

For young African entrepreneurs and social innovators, the challenge offers an opportunity to secure funding without giving up equity while gaining access to international expertise and networks.

Projects working in areas such as education, healthcare, climate action, agriculture, technology, poverty reduction, inclusion and other SDG-related fields may be particularly relevant, provided they can demonstrate existing impact.

Interested applicants should register and submit their projects before the August 31 deadline.

Apply for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026