Social Shifters runs the Allianz x Social Shifters MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge 2026 through Allianz’s MoveNow programme. Founders aged 18 to 30 whose venture tackles a defined social or environmental issue can win a $5,000 or $10,000 USD grant. Submissions close on 18 December 2026 at 17:00 UTC, and the organizer states that it charges no entry fee.
At a glance
| Deadline | 18 December 2026, 17:00 UTC, strictly enforced |
| Who can apply | Founders aged 18 to 30 on or before the deadline, with a venture that fits one of three categories |
| Prizes | Per category: one $10,000 USD award and four $5,000 USD awards |
| Support | Finalists get one-to-one pitch coaching, visibility and alumni resources |
| Format | Online submission in English, with finalist pitching from 3 May 2027 |
| Cost to apply | None. The guidelines state that Social Shifters does not charge participation fees |
| Status note | The guidelines and timeline say submissions opened on 7 October 2026, but the challenge page banner still reads “Submissions open soon”. Confirm on the portal |
| Official link | Application portal |
Who can apply
- Founders must be between 18 and 30 years old on or before the submission deadline and hold decision-making authority in the venture.
- The venture must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and show measurable social outputs and impact.
- Projects can come from for-profit ventures, nonprofits or unregistered initiatives. A registered organization must have been incorporated no earlier than five years before the deadline.
- Every team member linked to the entry must also be 18 to 30. Anyone over 30 can advise or mentor only.
- Each entrant may submit one project. Allianz employees and their family members cannot enter.
- Projects from, or operating in, Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba cannot be accepted because of UK sanctions. The guidelines list six of these countries and the FAQ adds Cuba.
Entries must fit one of three categories: Move the Mind (financial confidence in the digital economy), Move the Body (equality in health ecosystems) or Move Society (community-led climate resilience, from early warning to resilient livelihoods). All materials must be in English.
What you get
- Grants: each category has one $10,000 USD award and four $5,000 USD awards, which makes $30,000 per category and $90,000 across the three. No entrant can receive more than $10,000 in total.
- Finalist support: one-to-one pitch coaching, extra visibility, access to alumni resources and an Allianz business mentor.
- Wider access: for 24 months after the deadline, entrants and named team members may be considered for mentorship, online learning and workshops. The guidelines state that access is not automatic.
Grant money can fund project development, equipment, technical resources, marketing and team capacity building. Travel is capped at 10% of the funds, personal expenses are not allowed, and winners report progress for 12 months and must claim the award within 12 months.
How to apply
- Open the application portal, enter your email address and confirm it with the 6-digit code, which stays valid for 2 hours.
- Add your name, create a password of at least 12 characters and select “Start new entry”.
- Complete the submission form and upload the supporting videos or documents and the pitch deck. The entry must be 100% complete, and any use of generative AI must be disclosed.
Key dates
- 7 October 2026: submissions open, according to the guidelines.
- 18 December 2026, 17:00 UTC: submissions close.
- 26 February 2027: judging by a panel of at least five judges per submission ends.
- 15 March 2027: finalist coaching begins. Each category shortlists 5 to 10 projects.
- 3 May 2027: finalist pitching begins. Winners are announced from 10 May 2027.
Advice from the Impact DOTS team
- Bring outputs, not intentions. The guidelines ask for measurable social outputs and impact, so gather the figures you can already document before you open the form.
- Check the age rule for the whole team. One member over 30 breaks eligibility, so move older co-founders to an adviser role before you submit.
- Check your incorporation date. A registered organization must be less than five years old at the deadline, while unregistered initiatives are accepted.
- Submit early. The deadline is strictly enforced and the entry has to be complete, so leave time for the video and deck.
FAQ
Is there a fee to enter? No. The guidelines state that Social Shifters does not charge fees for participation.
Can I submit more than one project? No. Each entrant may submit one project, and multiple submissions lead to automatic disqualification.
Do I need a registered organization? No. Unregistered initiatives can enter, and a registered organization must have been incorporated within the five years before the deadline.
Can I write my entry in another language? No. All submissions must be in English.
Sources
- Social Shifters: Allianz x Social Shifters MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge
- Competition guidelines (PDF)
- Competition FAQs (PDF)
