WSA Young Innovators Award 2025-2026

The World Summit Awards (WSA) launches the Young Innovators Award, a global competition to reward young people under 26 who have built market-ready digital solutions that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether you're an entrepreneur, student, NGO, or creative individual, this is your chance to shine globally. 

Who Can Apply

• Must be under 26 years old (born on or after January 1, 1999) and a majority of the team should also meet this requirement.
• Open to individuals, start-ups, NGOs, student groups, or project teams from any UN or UNESCO member state. 

What Can You Submit?

• Digital solutions like mobile apps, websites, wearables, SMS systems, kiosk tools, games, or interactive productions.
• Must be launched on the market and have measurable local impact—no ideas, drafts, or unfinished prototypes allowed.

Impact and Purpose

Your solution should address at least one of the UN SDGs and create positive social or environmental change in your community. 

Timeline & Jury Process

The Jury process for the Young Innovators is a democratic and transparent system to guarantee a fair and diverse selection of digital best practices. After being submitted, the solutions go through a 2-tier Jury process.

• Deadline: October 31
• First round: Online Jury selects a shortlist.
• Final winners chosen by the Grand Jury in early 2026. 

Benefits of Winning

• Global recognition: Your project featured in WSA’s publications, social media, and press.
• WSA Seal: Official badge for promotions and investor credibility.
• Networking at WSA Global Congress: Each year, winners of the WSA competition gain the exclusive opportunity to participate in the WSA Global Congress that brings together a vibrant community of digital innovators, impact-driven entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from around the world. The conference offers winners the chance to pitch their solutions to investors, mentors, and experts, connect with fellow changemakers, and engage in high-level discussions on pressing global challenges. 

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application in English—submission only in English is allowed.
2. Complete details via the WSA online Database system.
3. Use the provided Word template to draft answers, then copy them into the database.
4. Application should include:
   • Short 2–3 sentence solution description.
   • Problem & solution overview.
   • Local context relevance.
   • Target audience and competition analysis.
   • Team overview and motivation.
   • Impact metrics and future plan.
   • Business model and sustainability.
   • Video overview (optional but recommended).
   • Instructions on how the jury can test your application.