Applications are now open for the 2026 Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge. Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026 is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing grant funding awards, connection to a global community high performing young leaders, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
Eligibility Requirements
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.
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
Benefits
GRANT FUNDING AWARDS
Multiple awards of up to $15,000 USD for genuinely youth-led, up-and-running projects and startups.
FREE Founder Support
Social Shifters 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
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!
Application Timeline
FROM 18th MAY: Register Early and Access our Launch Event!
1ST JUNE: Submissions Open!
JULY: Get your submissions in!
AUG 31ST: Submission Deadline 5pm UTC.
SEPT: Submission Scoring Begins
OCT: Submission Scoring Ends
OCT: 2026 Finalist Founders Announcement
OCT: Finalist Pitch Coaching Begins
NOV: FINALS! Pitching Begins
DEC: Grant Award Winning Founders Announced
Method of Application
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: August 31st, 2026.