The Gap in Between Startup Challenge – Apply Now!

The competition seeks to become a leading platform for the most innovative startups to present solutions that address the main challenges of the society. They want to identify and support startups that have the potential to create positive change and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable economy.

Challenge Benefits

• The winning startup will receive the prize of 10,000 euros.
• Opportunity to pitch before a jury of experts and an audience of impact investors and corporations.
• Customized booths that enhance visibility and provide opportunities for meetings with key stakeholders.
• The chance to engage in matchmaking activities, facilitating connections with potential partners and investors.
• Visibility and diffusion through Social Nest channels to reach the community, potential beneficiaries, and strategic partners.
• Access to Social Nest’s national and international network of contacts.
• Become part of the Social Nest community.
• For the global winning startup chosen by the jury:
  • Prize of 10,000 euros.
  • Mentoring opportunities from experts in entrepreneurship and social impact.
  • Access to networks of investors and potential strategic partners.
  • Participation in the most important events of the innovation ecosystem like 4YFN, Impact Investment Forum, South Summit.
  • Others prizes will be launched in the short term.
• For the winning startups chosen by the jury in each theme:
  • Access to networks of investors and potential strategic partners. Participation in the most important events of the innovation ecosystem like 4YFN, Impact Investment Forum, South Summit.
  • Others prizes will be launched in the short term
• For all startups selected in the challenge:
  • Access to networks of investors and potential strategic partners.

What type of startups is the challenge targeted at?

• The Challenge is aimed at impact startups, which are defined as those whose main purpose is to solve a social or environmental problem or situation, also generating a business with sustainability and potential economic and financial growth. Additionally, to be eligible, the startups’ projects must fit within one of the event’s themes and the startups must operate and provide a market solution in any of the following impact areas:
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Circular economy
  • Climate change
  • Education and training for work
  • Forest repopulation
  • Green buildings
  • Green mobility
  • Inclusive and sustainable tourism
  • Nutrition & Food Tech
  • Protect land and water
  • Renewable energy
  • SaaS for impact
  • Silver Economy
  • Social inclusion
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Sustainable construction
  • Sustainable fashion
  • Sustainable fishing
  • Sustainable infrastructure
  • Universal access to health and well-being
  • Water

Who is it for? 

• The Challenge is designed for impact startups.
• Startups will be eligible if they meet the following requirements:
  • Be legally constituted.
  • Count, at least, with an MVP.
  • Have a validated business model and some traction.
• Fit within one of the event themes:
  • Safe, accessible and nutritious food systems
  • Social inclusion and equity beyond business
  • Smart cities and Energy Transition
  • From a linear to a circular business strategy
  • Shifting financial systems for the common good.

For more information, visit Social Nest Foundation.