Launching in 2024, the Global Shapers Community, Accenture and the Global Alliance for YOUth will establish an Innovation Prize to empower next generation change-makers.
Read the announcement on the World Economic Forum’s Agenda!
About the Innovation Prize
Each year, innovators from the Global Shapers’ network of 10,000 young change-makers in 500 city-based hubs will be invited to apply for support to accelerate their breakthrough ideas. Young people with the most promising solutions for improving the lives and livelihoods of their communities will unlock access to dedicated upskilling, mentorship, funding and storytelling support. Solutions will focus on topics ranging from protecting the planet, to reskilling for the future, to building more inclusive societies and beyond.
The prize will be provided under two categories:
- Incubation Prize – Winners will be awarded CHF 5,000 each
- Accelerator Prize – Winners will be awarded CH 10,000 each
What the Innovation Prize Offers
- 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.
When we invest in next-generation leaders, we’re investing in our collective future. It is my passion, and a key priority for Accenture, to create opportunities for individuals to grow as leaders, equipping them with the skills and mindsets to create a more sustainable and inclusive society. The Innovation Prize will accelerate the impact and reach Global Shapers have to drive positive change in our world.
—Ellyn Shook, Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer, Accenture
We are living in times that require bold and decisive actions. More than ever, the private sector must join forces to build bridges and support younger generations to play an active role in solving society’s biggest problems. In that context, The Global Alliance for YOUth is proud to collaborate with the Global Shapers Community to launch the Innovation Prize, a platform to reward and accelerate breakthrough solutions for youth by youth.
—Laurent Freixe, CEO Zone Latin America at Nestlé; Founder and Chairman, Global Alliance for YOUth
Application Criteria
To be eligible for the Innovation Prize, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Purpose-driven: advances action in one of the community's priority impact areas
- Entrepreneurial: offers an innovative, creative solution to a pressing challenge
- Structured: demonstrates a need, solution and concrete outcome
- Inclusive: creates a more equitable, inclusive and just world
- Measurable: has quantifiable outputs, outcomes and long-term impact
- Impactful: delivers positive and lasting social change that is sustainable
Global Shapers will be invited to submit applications in February 2024.
Winners will be announced at the Global Shapers Annual Summit in June 2024.
