The Gap in Between: Startup Challenge 2025

Deadline: 14 July 2025

The Startup Challenge of The Gap in Between is an international call designed to Boost entrepreneurship as a driver of social and environmental transformation.

They seek to identify and showcase startups that are developing innovative solutions to today’s most urgent challenges.

Through this challenge, they not only connect impact-driven entrepreneurs with resources, capital, and strategic allies but also place them at the center of a global conversation about the future they aim to build: fairer, more inclusive, regenerative, and collaborative.

Focus Areas

In 2025, the challenge focuses on three key innovation verticals:
- Cities of Tomorrow
  - Smart cities
  - Urban planning
  - Climate-resilient architecture
  - Emergency-ready cities
  - Bioconstruction
  - Energy justice
  - Energy transition
  - Mobility and transport
  - Digital infrastructure for sustainable cities
  - Urban governance and citizenship
  - Sustainable urban life
  - Future housing
- From Extraction to Regeneration
  - Regenerative agriculture
  - Composting
  - Sustainable protein alternatives
  - Rural empowerment
  - Supply chains
  - Reforestation
  - Agroforestry
  - AgTech
  - Biodiversity
  - Regenerative materials
- Socio-Economic Resilience
  - Ethical AI
  - Impact investing
  - Green funds
  - Rural digitalization
  - Digital literacy
  - Inclusive design
  - Mental wellbeing
  - Community and neighborhood cohesion
  - Art for social change
  - Youth-led change
  - Crisis-resilient infrastructures
  - Social protection
  - Cultural and religious harmony

Categories

The Startup Challenge is open to startups at two dierent maturity levels to ensure fair and tailored evaluation:
- Early Stage: Startups with a launched MVP, early validation metrics, and a business model in consolidation phase.
- Growth Stage: Startups with market traction, active customers, and a business model in expansion.

Prizes and Benefits

For the 20 Early Stage semifinalists and 10 Growth Stage finalists:
- Personalized physical booths at the event
- Early Stage Winner: €5,000
- Growth Stage Winner: €10,000
- Access to a network of investors, mentors, and top-tier events (4YFN, South Summit, etc.)
- Matchmaking with key ecosystem players

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, startups must:
- Be legally incorporated for at least one year.
- Have a validated MVP and a sustainable business model.
- Fit within one of the Challenge’s thematic verticals

For more information, visit Social Nest Foundation.