Deadline Date: April 03, 2026
The Global ImpactPreneur 2026 programme invites early-stage startups across the Asia-Pacific region to accelerate solutions that generate measurable social and environmental impact alongside sustainable business value.
The programme focuses on solutions that contribute to at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a preference for approaches that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) or other innovative technologies to address social and environmental challenges.
Global ImpactPreneur is led by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre in collaboration with the Chung Mong-Koo Foundation to support impact-driven startups across the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative aims to strengthen the regional ecosystem of impact entrepreneurship by connecting startups with global expertise, mentorship, and funding opportunities while promoting sustainable development solutions.
The programme is open to startups operating in the Asia-Pacific region that are working on solutions addressing social or environmental challenges in developing countries. Applicants must be beyond the ideation stage and should have a functioning prototype, pilot project, or demonstrable proof of concept. Eligible companies must also be legally incorporated and operating within the region and must have been incorporated less than five years before the application deadline.
Preference will be given to startups with significant experience operating or implementing their solutions in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Priority is also given to startups led by founders from developing countries and those led by youth founders aged 39 or below.
Selected startups will gain access to regional and industry experts who will provide mentoring and guidance throughout the programme. Participants will also receive in-depth mentoring, investor relations coaching, and education on impact measurement to strengthen both their business and social impact strategies. The programme further enables peer exchange among impact startups from across the Asia-Pacific region, helping founders learn from each other’s experiences.
In addition to mentorship and networking opportunities, the programme offers grant-based awards with a total prize pool exceeding USD 50,000. Startups will also have the opportunity to present their solutions at a Demo Day and connect with investors and ecosystem partners in Seoul.
For more information, visit UNDP.
