Deadline: October 31, 2025
The WSA Young Innovators Award is an open call for digital solutions, applications, projects, or products driving positive change, created by young people under the age of 26 from all UN and UNESCO member states.
The WSA Young Innovators Award focuses on digital solutions that are market-ready and have already been launched, strictly for individuals and teams where at least one founder and the majority of members are under the age of 26. Eligible projects must demonstrate proven social impact by creating positive changes in society or the environment and contribute to at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The opportunity is open to startups, social entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams, or individuals who meet these requirements.
The WSA Young Innovators Award welcomes applications from youth-led teams and individuals who have developed digital products or services that are active in the market and delivering social impact. Solutions may include mobile apps, web pages, wearables applications, kiosk installations, SMS-based products, games, and interactive productions, among others, provided they have a strong digital component and tangible results.
Eligibility requires that at least one of the founding members and the majority of the team are under the age of 26, with all applicants needing to ensure their product is already launched and making a positive difference in society or for the environment. Prototypes, drafts, and incomplete solutions are not eligible.
All submissions are reviewed through a two-tier, democratic jury process that ensures fairness and diversity in selecting digital best practices. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Global Congress, where winners present their solutions to a global audience of experts, entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, gaining skills, networking opportunities, and international exposure. Winning teams receive special promotion, inclusion in the WSA catalogue, communications campaigns, and the WSA Winners Seal that validates their achievement before global stakeholders.
As part of an international network of digital innovators, participants benefit from collaboration, learning opportunities, global visibility, and the experience of refining and showcasing their solution with the support of the WSA community. The final winners of the WSA Young Innovators 2025 will be chosen in January 2026, following a comprehensive jury process.
For more information, visit WSA.
