Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 St. Gallen Symposium Leader of Tomorrow Essay Competition. Meet 300 of society’s brightest young minds. Present and debate your ideas with 600 senior leaders. Be inspired by some of the world’s most impressive speakers. Gain a unique and new perspective on this year’s topic. Become a member of a unique global community. Participate in the symposium with us. Win prize money of CHF 20,000 split amongst the three winners.
The St. Gallen Global Essay Competition is a global student essay competition, offering students who study at graduate or postgraduate level around the world the opportunity to apply for participation at the St. Gallen Symposium.
Topic Question
Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography: What happens when they collide?
Pick a case where at least two of these forces meet, and propose a bold idea to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks over the long term.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must fulfill all of the following criteria:
- Enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate programme (master level or higher) in any field of study at a regular university
- Born in 1996 or later
St. Gallen expect a professional, creative, and thought-provoking essay. Be bold, unconventional, and distinctive in addressing the competition question. While the use of AI tools is permitted (when cited correctly), the judging will focus on originality and the strength of your own unique ideas. For this reason, heavy reliance on generic outputs from systems such as ChatGPT is strongly discouraged: We want to hear your authentic voice and perspective.
Essay Requirements
- The maximum amount of words is 2,100 (excluding bibliography or graph descriptions and the like). There is no minimum word count. Please make sure to state the exact word count in your document.
- Also keep in mind that you must not state your name in the contribution.
Benefits
- If the jury selects your essay in the top 100, you qualify as a Leader of Tomorrow for an expenses-paid participation in the 55th St. Gallen Symposium (5-7 May 2026).
- The results will be announced via e-mail by mid-March 2026. The jury selects the three awardees based on the quality of the idea on paper. The award is endowed with a total prize money of CHF 20,000.
- In addition, there will be a chance for the very best competitors (including the awardees) to present their ideas on the big stage at the symposium. For this, the students will be asked to pitch their idea on video beforehand.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the St. Gallen Symposium Leader of Tomorrow Essay Competition
