Be part of our Global Innovation Challenge

Do you have an awesome idea to solve a social or environmental problem? Are you ready to take action, but don’t know where to start? You're not alone.

The 2021 Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge will take you from idea to entrepreneur - helping bring your idea to life AND sharpening your social business skills!

All applicants will receive FREE e-learning, specialist project development support and access to mentors as well as connection to a network of young changemakers like you! The first 500 applicants will also receive a VIP Ticket to the Social Enterprise World Forum 2021 and challenge finalists will compete for prizes of up to $10,000!

Are you aged 18-30 with a world-changing idea? Register NOW and return to submit your idea by 16th July to be eligible.

Now open for registration. Applications open until July 16th

If, for any reason, you are unable to access the information on this website or need challenge related material provided in an alternative format - please contact challenge@socialshifters.com for assistance

Create change through your ideas

Fuel lasting impact in the world with an innovative business solution

Why take part?

The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is all about supporting young people (18-30) to take entrepreneurial action on social and environmental issues that matter to you.

Everyone who enters receives a package of FREE startup support and mentoring to develop their idea.
The first 500 applicants will receive a VIP ticket to the Social Enterprise World Forum 2021.
The best idea solutions will compete for cash prizes and funding pots of up to $10,000!
Finalists will receive global recognition and exposure at the Social Enterprise World Forum 27-29 Sept 2021.

Go from idea to action through the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge.

Create your own future

Turning away from a traditional corporate career to do something with more purpose can be hard. The good news is that you can take things into your own hands. Use the Shifters Global Challenge to explore new possibilities, develop new skills, and give social entrepreneurship a try.

Be enterprising

We’re looking for a world-changing business idea to solve a problem that matters to you. That means some form of activity that makes money while improving lives, helping communities, or protecting the environment. Sounds complicated? Try out our Social Business Model Canvas to quickly give your idea some shape.

Young woman wearing a mask protesting with a megaphone

Go from passion to action

EVERYONE that submits an idea gets exclusive free access to Steps to Startup, our world-leading social startup e-learning. This takes you through the entire startup process at your own pace, with practical tools, templates and tips at every stage. Along the way, you’ll develop new skills, learn from mentors, and connect with others who share your passion.

Which SDGs does your idea tackle?

About Us

Social Shifters helps next generation leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to make a difference in the world.

We operate on a non-profit basis, providing inspiring stories, engaging learning, and a global community of support to propel you forward.

Use our revolutionary Social Shifters platform to get your project, campaign or venture off the ground, fast.

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Sponsors & Partners

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EVENT PARTNERS

CHALLENGE PARTNERS

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Rules & Timeline

The Shifters Global Challenge is easy to enter and packed full of support for EVERYONE that enters.

How it works

We will be accepting submissions from May 26 to July 16. It’s quick and simple to submit an entry. Just tell us about the social or environmental problem you want to solve, what your business solution is, and what difference it will make. Upload a short video if you can, to bring your submission to life.

Who can enter

The Challenge is open to anyone 18-30 years old.

You can enter on your own or as a team (up to 5 members). Team participation is strongly encouraged.

We’re looking for a business solution to an environmental or social issue. This can be a non-profit or for-profit idea but must be at an early stage (less than one year old with no significant funding in place).

Judging Criteria

All entries will be evaluated based on the following:

Impactful: Will the business idea solve an important social or environmental problem?
Innovative: Is the idea insightful, and potentially a breakthrough solution to the problem?
Feasible: Could the idea be implemented with financial and mentoring support?
Scalable: Does this idea have the potential to be expanded on a larger scale?

Submissions that include a short video pitch (less than 60 seconds) will receive additional points in the evaluation.

1 April 2021

Registration Open

Challenge open for early registration

May 26, 2021

Application Open

Challenge open for full submissions

July 16, 2021

Submission Deadline

Submit your full idea application

Every team that submits an idea gets full access to our world leading startup program and mentoring.

July 17 - August 9 2021

Evaluation Period

Submissions are evaluated by our judges

Aug 10 - Sept 17 2021

Incubation Period for Finalists

Shortlisted teams receive intensive mentoring and training to develop and pitch their ideas.

27-29 Sept 2021

Prizes & Awards Announced

Prize funding announced and winning solutions showcased at the Social Enterprise World Forum.

Awards

A selection of $10,000 cash prizes are on offer for the best ideas PLUS a package of mentoring and other support.

There are prizes for runners up too, and all shortlisted ideas get opportunities for global recognition and media publicity.

Watch out for special category and country prizes that will be announced soon.

Get free resources from Social Shifters to help design and pitch your social enterprise idea.

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