Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge. Young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs everywhere are rising up to take action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most.
Eligibility Requirements
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. To be eligible for this program your social startup must be:
- 100% YOUTH-LED – Founders leading the startup or project must be between 18 and 30 years old and have clear decision making authority.
- IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups and projects must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and have measurable social outputs and impact.
The key requirements are that your project:
- Has clear social or environmental impact
- Aligns with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal
- Is genuinely led by young people (18-30)
- Takes an innovative approach to addressing challenges
These project activities can come from:
- A registered startup (nonprofit or for-profit)
- An unregistered group or initiative
- A new solution within an existing organization (with some conditions)
Benefits
GRANT FUNDING AWARDS
Multiple grant awards available – from $3,000 to $15,000 USD – one submission makes you eligible for multiple award opportunities.
2) FREE Founder & Project Support
We’ll help founders to develop a strong submission, provide access to exclusive learning materials and a pitch coach to all finalists.
3) GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK
Applicants gain exclusive access to all-year-round opportunities including more grants, paid work and training opportunities.
Application Timeline:
- JUNE 2ND: Submissions Open
- JULY: Get your submissions in!
- AUG 29TH: Submissions Close
- FROM SEPT: Social Shifters Global Opportunities Network
- SEPT: Submission Scoring Begins
- OCT: Submission Scoring Ends
- OCT: Finalists Announcement + Pitch Coaching Begins
- NOV: FINALS! Pitching Begins
- DEC: Winning Projects Announced
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge
