Compete for your share of $90,000 USD for youth-led social startups!
The MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge supports a global ecosystem of young impact founders, enabling youth-led solutions for and from underserved communities to take root and thrive.
Young Founders are Leading the Change.
Around the world, a new generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs is emerging from every corner of society – from remote villages and small communities to universities and bustling cities. They have grown up in different contexts and environments, but are united by determination, creativity, and a shared drive to tackle the challenges that will define our collective future. Eager to move now, they bring fresh perspectives, new approaches, and the urgency needed to improve lives and strengthen communities.
The MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge exists to support young people who are taking action now on the social and environmental issues that matter most to them, because those who experience challenges firsthand often develop the most effective solutions.
For many years, Allianz has strengthened societal resilience and growth. With their expertise in prevention, insurance, and investment, they have been a trusted partner to people and businesses, helping to manage the effects of climate and social change and supporting the transition to more sustainable economies.
Move the mind, body,
& society
The MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge will support youth-led startups, ventures and projects that align with any one of the following three award categories:
1) Financial Confidence in the Digital Economy
Backing young innovators who strengthen local economies by enabling entrepreneurs and SMEs to start, grow, and sustain businesses with financial confidence — through the digital tools, skills, and financial knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving economy.2) Closing the Health Gap: Equality in Health Ecosystems
Supporting young innovators creating health solutions that address systemic gaps, particularly the underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups in health research, health services and diagnostics, using community-led and technology-enabled approaches.3) Community-Led Climate Resilience: From Early Warning to Resilient Livelihoods
Backing young innovators who help vulnerable communities, rural and urban, prepare for and thrive despite the impacts of climate change, through locally-rooted solutions that combine technology with community knowledge to build lasting resilience.
Backing young innovators who strengthen local economies by enabling entrepreneurs and SMEs to start, grow, and sustain businesses with financial confidence — through the digital tools, skills, and financial knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving economy.2) Closing the Health Gap: Equality in Health Ecosystems
Supporting young innovators creating health solutions that address systemic gaps, particularly the underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups in health research, health services and diagnostics, using community-led and technology-enabled approaches.3) Community-Led Climate Resilience: From Early Warning to Resilient Livelihoods
Backing young innovators who help vulnerable communities, rural and urban, prepare for and thrive despite the impacts of climate change, through locally-rooted solutions that combine technology with community knowledge to build lasting resilience.
Applicants are highly encouraged to leverage AI and emerging technologies while demonstrating responsible and ethical use of technology and personal data. All solutions should demonstrate inclusive design principles and consider digital accessibility for diverse users. Solutions both for and from underserved communities will be prioritized.
SUBMISSIONS OPEN SOON!
WHY ME, WHY NOW?
1) GRANT FUNDING AWARDS
Multiple awards of $5,000 and $10,000 USD will be allocated, totalling $30,000 in each of our three main award categories (see above).
2) FREE FOUNDER & STARTUP SUPPORT
We’ll help founders to develop strong submissions, provide access to exclusive learning materials and an Allianz business mentor to support all finalist founders.
3) GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK
All eligible applicants gain exclusive access to all-year-round opportunities; grant funding awards, paid work and training with Social Shifters!
AM I ELIGIBLE?
The Allianz MoveNow Social Innovation Challenge is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing grant funding awards, unique leadership learning, and exclusive exposure through one of the worlds biggest brands.
To be eligible for this program your social startup must be:
YOUTH-LED – Founders leading the startup or project must be between 18 and 30 years old and have clear decision making authority.
IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups and projects must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and have measurable social outputs and impact.
Your MOVENOWJourney
7th Oct 2026
Submissions Open!
Nov
Move Now! Get your submissions in!
18th DEC
Submissions Close (5pm UTC)
25th JAN 2027
First Scoring Round Begins.
26th Feb
First Scoring Round Ends.
March
Finalist Shortlisting & Announcement!
15th March
Finalist Mentoring Begins.
May
FINALS! Live Pitching Begins.
May
Winning Founders Announced!
June
Grant Awards Allocated.
The Sustainable
Development Goals
Social Shifters global community and programmes of support are for young people (anywhere in the world) who are taking action in their community and contributing to the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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MEET MOVENOW WINNERS!
"Growing up around my grandparents, farmers all their lives, I learned how the land feeds, heals, and keeps the planet balanced. Through TERRA IO, we turn that love into soil intelligence for farmers having to adapt to climate change right now."
Nora is turning Mexico's coffee waste crisis into a sustainable opportunity for farmers and the environment.
Through its MoveNow program, Allianz backs global and local initiatives that empower young people and underserved communities to move their minds, their bodies, and society – helping them take action, shape more resilient communities, and grow stronger, bolder, and more optimistic for tomorrow.
ABOUT SOCIAL SHIFTERS
We exist to support the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs – young people everywhere taking action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most.
We operate on a non-profit basis to provide unique learning experiences, guidance and grant funding for young impact founders.
Learn more about Social Shifters.
