WSA Young Innovators Award 2026 in Online | Fully Funded

The WSA Young Innovators Award 2026 is a prestigious global recognition program that celebrates innovative digital solutions developed by young entrepreneurs and innovators under the age of 26. This World Summit Awards initiative focuses on projects that leverage digital technology to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create positive societal impact. The award is open to entrepreneurs, businesses, student groups, and project teams from all UN member states, making it an inclusive opportunity for diverse participants.

The World Summit Awards (WSA) was launched in 2003 within the context of the UN World Summit on the Information Society (UN WSIS) and serves as a contributor to the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda. WSA operates as a distinctive recognition system that identifies and champions local digital innovations to enhance societal well-being. Through a continuous series of worldwide events and a global community including startups, social entrepreneurs, mentors, judges, and government officials, WSA showcases pioneering examples of how information and communication technologies can contribute positively to society across more than 182 participating countries.

WSA Young Innovators Award Benefits

• Make connections and gain knowledge at the WSA Global Congress where winners present their solutions to a global audience of experts, impact entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors. Workshops are also conducted for skill-building and networking.
• Gain global visibility as winning solutions are featured in WSA communications, including catalogue, website, social media, newsletters, and press releases, along with a WSA Winners Seal for global recognition.
• Discover global innovations and learn from impact entrepreneurs solving social challenges worldwide.
• Join the WSA community of social innovation experts and become part of a global multi-stakeholder network of changemakers.
• Gain competition experience by refining your application, presenting your innovation, and receiving feedback from a global WSA Jury.
• Participate in a transparent two-tier jury process involving an Online Jury and Grand Jury evaluation.
• The Online Jury shortlists solutions after submission closes, and the Grand Jury selects final winners after detailed evaluation and discussion.

WSA Young Innovators Award Eligibility Criteria

• The WSA Young Innovators program is open to young citizens of all UN member states. Thus providing opportunities for startups, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, students, and individuals.
• Participation in the WSA Young Innovators is for entrepreneurs, companies, student groups, or project teams, with the condition that at least one founding member and the majority of the team must be under the age of 26 (born on or after 1 January 2000).
• WSA Young Innovators Award welcomes participation from entities in any UN and UNESCO member state.
• All submissions must represent fully launched products with proven social impact and market availability, and the program does not accept drafts, ideas, prototypes, or unfinished projects.
• Submissions must adhere to human rights principles and exclude content promoting violence, fraud, racism, or discrimination.
• Furthermore, submissions must be nominated by WSA national experts, fully completed, and free of charge.
• In cases of incomplete submissions or those that do not adhere to the WSA guidelines, the initiative reserves the right to withdraw them from the selection process without prior notice.
• The solution must also address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Moreover, the applicant should aim for clarity, making the digital solution easily comprehensible. Overly lengthy sentences and intricate technical jargon should be avoided.

How to Apply for WSA Young Innovators Award

• Applicants will have to register first on the official website before applying.
• The application form must be completed exclusively in the English language.
• Fill in all other details with accuracy and great attention. Do not miss any fields, even if they are not mandatory.
• Incomplete submissions or those not following guidelines may be disqualified at the jury’s discretion.
• The jury may reassign a submission to a different category, and winners are selected through the published jury process.
• After completing the application process for the WSA Young Innovators Award, submit your application through the official submission portal on the WSA website.
• Shortlisted solutions will be announced after the jury evaluation process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the WSA Young Innovators Award. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.