More than 1.1 billion people worldwide live in acute multidimensional poverty, and over half of them are children. At the same time, millions of young innovators are proving that technology can close the gap between hardship and opportunity.
But the challenge remains urgent: two-thirds of school-aged children (about 1.3 billion aged 3 – 17) still lack internet access at home. This digital divide continues to hinder education, innovation, and equal opportunity for young people across the world.
A Major Funding Opportunity for Young Tech Innovators
To support youth-driven change, the Global Citizen Prize, in partnership with Cisco, is offering $250,000 to young leaders aged 18–30 who are using technology to advance the UN Global Goals and combat extreme poverty.
This award recognizes young people who are already building impactful, tech-enabled solutions and gives them the capital they need to scale their work globally. The funding goes directly to the winner’s organization – with no equity or ownership taken.
What the Prize Looks For-
Applicants must show:
- Clear measurable impact over 3–5 years
- Smart use of technology to increase efficiency, reach, or affordability
- A strong vision for long-term growth
- Ability to inspire other young leaders
- Commitment to global citizenship and community empowerment
The winner will be officially announced at Global Citizen NOW in May 2026 in New York City.
Application Requirements:
The application has four main sections:
- About You & Your Organization
Provide your personal details, organization information, and upload a scanned copy of your passport.
- Video Pitch (1–2 Minutes)
Explain why you deserve the award and showcase the impact of your solution.
- Judging Criteria Responses
Answer five short questions clearly showing how your work meets the Prize’s criteria (maximum 250 words per criterion).
- Organization Documents
Submit proof of registration such as:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Registration documents
- Tax-exemption certificate
- Any supporting materials
Who Should Apply?
This is ideal for:
- Young founders and social entrepreneurs
- Tech innovators working on education, health, climate, justice, or poverty solutions
- Registered organizations seeking capital to scale
- Youth-led teams with long-term impact missions
If your project uses technology to solve real community problems, this is a chance to gain global recognition – and significant funding.
Application Deadline: December 17, 2025
Don’t miss out – apply now and take your innovation to the world.
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