WSA Young Innovators is the youth award of the World Summit Awards (WSA), organised by ICNM in Salzburg. It recognises market-ready digital solutions from founders under 26 that advance at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal.
Entries are judged by an Online Jury, then a Grand Jury; winners present at the WSA Global Congress. WSA has paused the 2026 call and says it will return in 2027, with no date published yet.
Benefits & funding
- Free to enter; no cash prize is listed, and the WSA FAQ says WSA winners receive none.
- Winners present to experts, mentors and investors at the WSA Global Congress, with skills workshops and networking.
- A WSA Winners Seal and features in WSA’s catalogue, website, social media, newsletters and press releases.
- Entry into the WSA community of digital changemakers.
Eligibility
- Start-ups, social entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams or individuals from any UN or UNESCO member state.
- At least one founder and the majority of the team must be under 26 (latest rules: born on or after 1 January 2000).
- The solution must be digital and contribute to at least one UN SDG.
- It must be launched, functional and in the market with users, and show social impact within the past three years; ideas, drafts and prototypes are not accepted.
- Solutions on the market for three years or more must show significant new impact in the last three years.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Age requirement
≤ 25 yrs
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Application process
- 1Wait for the 2027 call and check its rules and dates on the official page.
- 2Apply directly online through the WSA contest database; unlike the main WSA award, no national nomination is needed.
- 3Complete every field in English; submission is free.
- 4The Online Jury shortlists, the Grand Jury picks the winners, and winners are invited to the Global Congress.
Program timeline
Most recent application deadline (2025 call).
Oct 31, 2025
Call paused.
2026
Call returns; dates not yet published.
2027