Deadline: 15-Oct-2026
The WSA Young Innovators Award is a global open call that highlights young-led digital solutions with proven social or environmental impact. It is part of the World Summit Awards ecosystem and focuses on real-world, market-ready innovations.
The programme emphasizes:
- Digital solutions already in active use
- Measurable impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship
Core Purpose
The award aims to:
- Showcase impactful digital innovations
- Promote youth-led social entrepreneurship
- Support scaling of proven digital solutions
- Highlight contributions to the UN SDGs
- Connect innovators with global networks and experts
Eligible Digital Solutions
Accepted Formats
Solutions must be digital and may include:
- Mobile applications
- Web platforms
- Games
- Wearable technologies
- Kiosks and offline digital systems
- SMS-based services
- Interactive digital tools
Key Requirement
Only market-ready, fully launched solutions are eligible.
Not accepted:
- Ideas
- Early-stage concepts
- Drafts or prototypes
- Incomplete or non-released products
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
- Startups
- Social entrepreneurs
- Companies
- NGOs
- Student groups
- Project teams
- Individuals
Geographic Eligibility
- Open to all UN and UNESCO member states
Age Requirement
- At least one founder AND majority of team must be under 26 years old
- Born on or after January 1, 1999
Product Requirement
- Must be a digital solution already in the market
- Must demonstrate real-world social or environmental impact
Thematic Focus
Social Impact
- Education
- Health
- Inclusion
- Poverty reduction
- Community development
Environmental Impact
- Climate action
- Sustainability
- Environmental protection
- Resource efficiency
Alignment with SDGs
Solutions must contribute to:
- One or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Selection Process
Step 1: Online Jury Review
- All submissions are reviewed
- Entries are evaluated and scored
- Shortlisted solutions are selected
Step 2: Grand Jury Evaluation
- Shortlisted entries are reviewed in depth
- Final winners are selected
Evaluation Approach
- Transparent and structured jury process
- Focus on real-world impact and innovation quality
Recognition and Opportunities
WSA Global Congress
Winners are invited to:
- Present their digital solutions globally
- Showcase work to experts and investors
- Network with international innovators
- Gain visibility and partnership opportunities
Benefits
- Global exposure
- Recognition as youth digital innovators
- Access to mentorship and expert networks
- Opportunities for scaling impact
Why This Award Matters
- Highlights youth-driven digital innovation
- Promotes scalable solutions to global challenges
- Strengthens SDG-aligned technology development
- Connects innovators with global ecosystems
- Encourages real-world impact over prototypes
- Elevates young social entrepreneurs internationally
How It Works
Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
- Verify age requirement (<26 majority team)
- Confirm SDG alignment
- Ensure product is fully launched
Step 2: Prepare Submission
- Describe digital solution and functionality
- Provide evidence of real-world usage
- Demonstrate measurable impact
Step 3: Submit Application
- Include product details and impact data
- Ensure clarity on user base and outcomes
Step 4: Jury Evaluation
- Online Jury screening
- Grand Jury final selection
Step 5: Recognition
- Winners announced
- Invitation to WSA Global Congress
Common Mistakes
- Submitting prototypes or incomplete products
- Lack of measurable impact evidence
- Not meeting age requirement criteria
- Weak alignment with SDGs
- Insufficient proof of market deployment
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate real-world usage
- Provide measurable impact data
- Highlight SDG alignment explicitly
- Show scalability and sustainability
- Emphasize youth leadership in the team
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the WSA Young Innovators Award?
- A global award for youth-led digital solutions with proven social or environmental impact
- Focuses on SDG-aligned innovations
Who can apply?
- Startups, NGOs, individuals, teams, and companies
- From UN and UNESCO member states
- Majority of team must be under 26
What kind of projects are eligible?
- Market-ready digital solutions only
- Apps, platforms, games, SMS tools, kiosks, wearables, etc.
Are prototypes allowed?
- No
- Only fully launched products with real users are eligible
What is the main focus of the award?
- Social or environmental impact through digital innovation
- Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
What is the selection process?
- Online Jury review
- Grand Jury final selection
What happens to winners?
- Invitation to WSA Global Congress
- Global exposure and networking opportunities
Conclusion
The WSA Young Innovators Award celebrates young leaders building real-world digital solutions that drive social and environmental impact. By focusing exclusively on market-ready innovations aligned with the SDGs, it provides global recognition and visibility for youth-led technologies making measurable change.
For more information, visit WSA.