Applications are invited for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge. The last date for the application is July 31, 2024.

About the Challenge

Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is designed to support young people (18-30 years) from anywhere in the world who want to take action on the social and environmental issues that impact them and their communities. The programme and support are specially designed for young people with an idea or project at a very early stage in its development. Social entrepreneurs and businesses at a more advanced stage of their start-up journey, i.e., those already delivering services, products, or activities with social or environmental impact, are also welcome.

Why Participate?

  • Leadership Development: Participants will gain inspiration and knowledge from fellow young leaders and entrepreneurs. The program is designed to foster confidence and creativity, essential traits for leading social change.
  • Project Advancement: The challenge offers comprehensive support, including development assistance and exclusive follow-on opportunities for up to 100 eligible teams. This support helps participants refine their submissions and progress their ideas.
  • Funding Opportunities: Competitors can be eligible for multiple grants, each worth up to $10,000 USD. These grants are aimed at projects that improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect the environment.

Alignment with United Nations SDG Goals

To participate, projects must contribute to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This alignment ensures that the initiatives supported by the challenge have a measurable and positive impact on global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

Takeaways

The teams will be supported during the submission process, get access to live networking sessions and 1-2-1 coaching will be offered to all finalist projects. More exclusive opportunities will open up to move the idea forward.

Participation Fee

The Global Innovation Challenge program is 100% FREE to participants.

Inspirational Success Stories

Previous winners demonstrate the transformative power of the challenge:

  • Stanley Anignogu from Nigeria founded LightEd, a social enterprise that repurposes electronic and plastic waste to create sustainable energy solutions for refugee communities.
  • Marta Vânia Uetela from Mozambique co-founded BIOMEC, which transforms ocean plastic waste into affordable, high-quality prosthetic limbs using 3-D printing technology.
  • Yuliana Palacio from Colombia established the ConEducación Foundation, aimed at closing academic performance gaps and promoting access to high-quality education for underprivileged students.
  • Charles Oyamo from Kenya initiated ReThread Africa, which helps smallholder farmers turn agricultural waste into additional income, aiding their economic stability.
  • Elena Höge from Germany developed Yaldi Games, a foraging life simulator that connects players with nature and promotes healthy lifestyles.
  • Comfort Peace Ayikoru from Uganda created KangaCare, an affordable alternative to neonatal incubators, supporting the life of premature babies using a skin-to-skin care technique.

Gratification

The highest-scoring projects will pitch for one of multiple grant funding awards of up to $10,000 US.

Important Dates

  • Submissions Open: May 27, 2024
  • Submission Support Program Starts: June 4, 2024
  • Submissions Close: July 31, 2024
  • Finals and Pitching: November 18, 2024
  • Winners Announced: December 8, 2024

Registration

Take the first step towards making a global impact. Register now and be part of the Social Shifters community, where young innovators come together to create a better world.

For more details and to register, visit the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge page.