Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge

The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is a prize competition for youth-led startups and projects that address social or environmental issues. It targets founders aged 18–30 and offers project funding, global exposure, and access to leadership learning experiences. Participants may also be considered for additional support over 24 months such as mentorship, online learning, skills workshops and peer support.

Project funding (listed amount $15,000), global exposure, access to leadership learning experiences, mentorship, online learning, skills workshops, peer support and potential product discounts; consideration for additional support for 24 months.

Open to founders ages 18–30 leading a youth-driven startup or project that is 100% youth-led, where founders have clear decision-making authority; initiatives must address a defined social or environmental issue and demonstrate measurable outputs and social impact. Registered startups must have been incorporated no more than five years before the submission deadline. Submissions accepted from registered and unregistered groups.

Complete the online application on the Social Shifters website with project details and impact metrics; upload founder bios, project descriptions and supporting documentation; participate in challenge-specific workshops or development programs if selected; await notification of funding and finalist opportunities.