Open for applications
CompetitionSocial Shifters, in partnership with Allianz

Allianz x Social Shifters MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge 2026 for Youth-Led Solutions

A global social innovation challenge awarding a share of $USD90,000 in seed funding, mentorship and network access to young founders building youth-led solutions in finance, health or climate.

By Nextali Opportunities DeskPublished

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About this opportunity

Some of the boldest answers to everyday problems come from people who are living them. The MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge, run by Social Shifters with Allianz, is built on that idea. It looks for young founders who are already turning an idea, a project or a small venture into real help for underserved communities.

The challenge focuses on three themes: strengthening digital financial literacy for small businesses, closing systemic gaps in health equality, and building climate-resilient livelihoods through localised technology. A total of $USD90,000 is on the table, split evenly across the three themes, with individual grants of $5,000 or $10,000 USD.

Winners receive more than funding. Finalists get dedicated business mentorship from Allianz, startup development resources, and year-round access to paid work, training and networking opportunities with Social Shifters.

If you are between 18 and 30 and lead a venture with clear decision-making authority, this is your room. Applications are open now and close on 18 December 2026 at 5pm UTC.

What you receive

  • A share of $USD90,000 in grant funding, awarded as individual grants of $5,000 or $10,000 USD
  • Dedicated Allianz business mentorship for finalists
  • Free startup development resources and exclusive learning materials
  • Year-round access to paid work, training and networking opportunities with Social Shifters

Who can apply

  • Open worldwide to international applicants, with priority given to ventures rooted in underserved areas
  • Founders must be between 18 and 30 years old
  • The venture must be youth-led, with the founder holding clear decision-making authority
  • The initiative must target a defined social or environmental challenge with measurable outcomes
  • Focus themes are digital financial literacy for SMEs, health equality, and climate-resilient livelihoods through localised technology

Documents to prepare

  • A completed application submitted through the Global Innovation Challenge portal

How to apply

  • Read the full challenge details on the official Social Shifters campaign page at https://www.socialshifters.co/allianz-movenow-social-innovation-challenge/
  • Open the application portal at https://globalinnovationchallenge.awardsplatform.com/ and create your entry
  • Describe your venture, the social or environmental problem it solves, and the measurable outcomes you are driving
  • Submit before the deadline on 18 December 2026 at 5pm UTC

Selection process

  • Submissions open 7 October 2026 and close 18 December 2026 at 5pm UTC
  • First scoring round runs from 25 January 2027 to 26 February 2027
  • Finalist shortlisting and announcement in March 2027
  • Finalist mentoring begins 15 March 2027
  • Live pitching finals and winning founders announced in May 2027
  • Grant awards allocated in June 2027

Sources and verification

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Important disclaimer

Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.

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