Innovation Prize: Empowering the next generation of changemakers

Launched in 2024, the Global Shapers Community, in partnership with Accenture and the Global Alliance for YOUth, introduced the Innovation Prize to empower next generation of change-makers.

Each year, innovators from our vibrant network of over 10,000 young leaders across 500 city-based hubs are invited to apply for support to accelerate their groundbreaking ideas.

We seek passionate young individuals with the most promising solutions to improve the lives and livelihoods of their communities. Winners will gain access to dedicated upskilling programs, expert mentorship, funding, and storytelling support to amplify their impact.

The Innovation Prize focuses on addressing critical global challenges, including protecting the planet, reskilling for the future, and building inclusive societies, among other pressing issues.

Dedicated funding

Prize Winners will receive essential financial backing to bring their projects to fruition, enabling them to make a real impact on the world.

Upskilling opportunities

We are committed to nurturing and enhancing the skills of our Prize Winners. Through comprehensive training , mentorship, and coaching.

Lasting impact

We are determined to ensure that the entrepreneurial projects we support go beyond short-term success. The Innovation Prize is dedicated to empowering young innovators to create initiatives that leave a lasting, positive impact on their communities and the world at large.

Buenos Aires Hub

Helping young women in STEM become technology leaders, creators and founders

Port of Spain Hub

Equipping emerging farmers with regenerative agriculture and agribusiness skills

Windhoek Hub

Mentoring boys to build healthier identities, relationships and long-term futures

Ulaanbaatar Hub

Transforming everyday water kiosks into inclusive green community spaces

Sydney Hub

Transforming youth climate anxiety into sustained civic action

New Delhi Hub

Making clean indoor air more affordable for vulnerable communities in high-pollution cities

Port Harcourt Hub

Preserving endangered Indigenous languages through community-led digital archiving

NYC-Manhattan Hub

Building digital safety and belonging for vulnerable New Yorkers

London III Hub

Empowering vulnerable students with the digital skills to succeed

Jaipur Hub

Igniting rural innovation through inclusive tech access and next-gen digital literacy

Brasilia Hub

Combining solar energy and agriculture to power rural resilience

Abuja Hub

A circular-economy model for enhancing education for displaced children

Bulawayo Hub

Building food security through school-based aquaponics systems

Budaiya Hub

Reimagining public spaces through technology, data and the power of youth

Peshawar Hub

Harnessing AI to build local resilience and drive long-term climate action

Yola Hub

Boosting literacy with solar tech, local content, and community teaching

Curitiba Hub

Creating safer schools by empowering teachers to prevent child abuse

Johannesburg Hub

Unlocking financial resources and support ecosystems for women

Sacramento, Chicago and Oakland Hubs

A proven solution to America’s medical debt crisis led by young changemakers

San Luis Potosi Hub

Building a more accessible world through inclusive technology for the blind