About the opportunity
The WSA Young Innovators Award is a global initiative honoring young digital entrepreneurs, startups, NGOs, and student teams under the age of 26. The award celebrates market-ready digital solutions that make a positive societal or environmental impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Selected winners participate in a multi-tier evaluation process, gain global recognition, and present their work to international mentors, investors, and industry leaders at the WSA Global Congress.
Funding and benefits
- Opportunity to present winning solutions to an international audience of experts, impact entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors at the WSA Global Congress
- Participation in specialized skill-building workshops and high-impact networking programs
- Global promotion across WSA communications, including the WSA catalogue, website, social media channels, newsletters, and press releases
- Official WSA Winners Seal to validate the solution's global impact and recognition for potential investors
- Integration into the global WSA community of social innovators, changemakers, and digital impact leaders
Who can apply?
- Open to any startup, social entrepreneur, company, NGO, student group, project team, or individual
- At least one founding member and the majority of the team must be under the age of 26 (born on or after January 1, 2000)
- Submissions must have a digital component (e.g., mobile apps, web pages, wearable apps, kiosk installations, SMS-based products, games, or interactive productions)
- Solutions must address societal or environmental challenges and advance at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
- Solutions must be fully launched, on the market, and demonstrate proven social impact (drafts, prototypes, and incomplete ideas are not eligible)
Required documents
- Online application form detailing venture purpose, team structure, digital components, market presence, and measurable SDG impact
- Proof of age/eligibility for founding members and team majority upon request
When to apply
- The WSA Young Innovators Call is taking a brief pause in 2026 as WSA transitions to 3.0 and will return in 2027
- Applications undergo a two-tier evaluation comprising an Online Jury review and a Grand Jury deliberation
How to apply
- Access the official WSA application portal via the Young Innovators application link
- Complete the application profile outlining the digital solution, SDG alignment, and operational market metrics
- Submit the entry before the designated call deadline for Online Jury assessment
Additional information
- Applicants with digital solutions currently ready in 2026 are encouraged to apply through the standard WSA Call categories while the Young Innovators track is paused
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Entrepreneurs under 26 years old.
- Founders of digital solutions (apps, web pages, etc.) that are already on the market.
- Innovators focused on achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What should you think carefully about?
- The Young Innovators track is paused for 2026; applicants with ready solutions must use the standard WSA Call categories instead.
- Eligibility is strictly limited to teams where the majority and at least one founder are under 26.
- Only fully launched, market-ready digital solutions are eligible; prototypes and drafts are not.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is an ideal opportunity for a young founder looking to scale their social impact, gain international visibility, and connect with a global network of investors and mentors at the WSA Global Congress.
Our take
Young digital entrepreneurs under 26 with a launched, market-ready product that addresses UN SDGs should apply, while those with only prototypes or ideas should avoid this specific track.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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