Organisation Name:
WSA (World Summit Awards)
Application Deadline:
31 October 2025
About Organisation
The World Summit Awards (WSA) is a global initiative that recognizes and promotes digital innovations contributing to social impact and sustainable development. Established as a unique international award system, WSA highlights how technology and communication can be harnessed to address some of the world’s most pressing issues, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization fosters a global ecosystem of changemakers, uniting startups, social entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, jurors, speakers, academia, civil society, and government leaders. Through its international events, knowledge-sharing platforms, and cross-sectoral collaborations, WSA provides innovators with opportunities to showcase their work on a global stage while connecting them with networks of influence and impact. Beyond recognition, WSA serves as a learning and collaboration platform, creating spaces for exchange between innovators and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. With its strong focus on local digital solutions that deliver global relevance, WSA empowers young visionaries and enterprises to scale their contributions to sustainable development. By providing visibility, credibility, and community, WSA acts as both a launchpad and a global stage for groundbreaking projects, positioning digital innovation as a key driver of inclusive growth and societal progress worldwide.
About the Grant
The WSA Young Innovators Award is a global call to action for young people under 26 to showcase digital solutions that drive positive change. Open to innovators from all UN and UNESCO member states, this award recognizes impactful digital products, applications, and projects that address social or environmental challenges while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Winners of the award receive much more than recognition—they gain access to the prestigious WSA Global Congress, where they present their solutions to a global audience of experts, entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors. The event offers interactive workshops, skill-building opportunities, and valuable networking experiences to help winners strengthen and scale their innovations. Awardees also benefit from international visibility, as their projects are featured in the WSA catalogue, website, newsletters, press releases, and social media campaigns. Additionally, winners receive the official WSA Winners Seal, a mark of credibility that enhances their appeal to potential partners and investors. Beyond the award, participants join the WSA’s global community of changemakers, gaining long-term access to resources, collaboration opportunities, and knowledge exchange. The WSA Young Innovators Award is not just a recognition program but a gateway to global exposure, mentorship, and community support for impactful youth-led digital solutions.
Who can Apply?
The WSA Young Innovators Award is open to youth-led initiatives from around the world, including startups, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams, or individuals. To qualify, at least one of the founding members and the majority of the team must be under the age of 26, born on or after January 1, 1999. Submissions must have a strong digital component but are not restricted by platform—eligible formats include mobile apps, websites, wearable applications, SMS-based solutions, kiosk installations, interactive games, and other digital products. Importantly, the solutions must go beyond ideas or prototypes; only launched projects with demonstrable social impact and real-world application will be considered. The initiative should clearly contribute to at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing societal or environmental challenges in measurable and sustainable ways. Applicants are encouraged to show not only their innovation’s functionality but also its ability to create meaningful change at scale. Whether initiated by entrepreneurs, non-profits, or youth-driven collectives, all solutions that integrate creativity, technology, and impact are welcome. The award seeks to spotlight young innovators who combine digital innovation with a commitment to positive transformation, offering them a platform to amplify their reach globally.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply by completing the official application form before the deadline. Submissions must include details of the digital solution, its purpose, social or environmental impact, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Applicants should ensure their project is launched and operational, with proven outcomes. All eligible entries will be reviewed by the WSA Jury, and shortlisted winners will be invited to present at the WSA Global Congress.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the WSA Young Innovators Award is October 31, 2025. Submissions received after this date will not be considered for the 2025 award cycle.
Last Date To Apply
