Deadline Date: May 25, 2026
The Social Impact Award incubation programme provides young innovators with the resources, mentorship, and support needed to transform their ideas into successful social ventures.
The programme focuses on mentorship and guidance in validating business and impact models, prototyping ideas, attracting initial followers and customers, competing for the Social Impact Award which includes funding and recognition, connecting with an international alumni community of over 1,000 social entrepreneurs from more than 25 countries, and receiving feedback throughout the application process to strengthen the venture’s potential.
Applicants to the SIA incubation programme undergo a structured selection process. First, a local SIA team checks eligibility to ensure the application meets formal criteria. Next, a jury of experts from private, public, and plural sectors evaluates submissions based on impact potential, degree of innovation, feasibility, and team capacity. Finalists are then announced at a dedicated event and invited to participate in the incubation programme, while all applicants are offered the opportunity to receive constructive feedback.
The programme provides an intensive support system where participants gain mentorship and assistance in developing and validating their ideas, building prototypes, and establishing early customer engagement. The incubation experience equips young social entrepreneurs with practical skills, industry insights, and networking opportunities essential for scaling their ventures.
Successful participants also have the opportunity to compete for the Social Impact Award, which offers funding, recognition, and a ticket to the annual SIA Summit. Beyond funding, the programme emphasizes building lasting connections with an international community of like-minded social innovators, enabling knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Eligibility is focused on youth, requiring that all core team members are between 14 and 30 years of age. The programme accepts both unimplemented ideas and early-stage projects launched after January 1st of the previous year, provided the project has not received formal external funding exceeding €6,000 and has not participated in SIA incubation or previously won the Social Impact Award with the same idea.
For more information, visit SIA.
