Environmental Challenge
Fieldfisher and Social Shifters are looking for young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs (18-30) based in Europe & the UK leading startups and projects that are accelerating environmental sustainability and climate adaptation.
GRANT FUNDING AWARD OF €10,000, PRO-BONO LEGAL SUPPORT & MENTORSHIP!
Our Shared Environmental Challenge
The health of our planet is critical. Global temperatures continue to rise, with the last decade being the warmest on record. Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity, while biodiversity loss accelerates at an alarming rate. The climate crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, heightening existing social inequalities.
The transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future requires transformative action across every aspect of society – and it must happen now.
Despite global commitments to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, current policies put us on track for far greater increases.
Accelerating Innovation for
the Planet
The Environmental Sustainability Challenge is designed to accelerate youth-led (ages 18-30) impact projects in Europe and the UK that harness emerging technologies (like AI) to make a positive difference to the health of our planet:
1) Drive the transition to clean, renewable energy systems.2) Develop circular economy solutions that eliminate waste and pollution.3) Create climate-resilient communities through adaptation strategies.4) Restore and protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.5) Advance environmental justice and support a fair transition for all communities.
We want to see sustainable solutions that demonstrate measurable impact, can scale across contexts, and have the potential for long-term viability.
YOUR 2025 CHALLENGE JOURNEY!
WHY ME, WHY NOW?
1) GRANT FUNDING AWARD
One grant funding award of €10,000 is available in this category.
2) FREE FOUNDER & PROJECT SUPPORT
All finalists will receive 1-2-1 pitch coaching, and the winning project will receive pro-bono legal support from Fieldfisher.
3) GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK
All applicants gain access to all-year-round opportunities from Social Shifters including more grants, paid work and training opportunities!
The Sustainable
Development Goals
To enter the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge your idea must contribute to at least one of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “shared blueprint” for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
SDG 13 is all about taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. You can find more information here on the UN’s SDG website.
Climate Action
MEET OUR
2024 WINNER!
Your 2025 Challenge Journey
From 1st May
Pre-Register to access our program EXTRAS!
JUNE 2ND
Submissions Open
JULY
Get your submissions in!
AUG 29TH
Submissions Close
FROM SEPT
Social Shifters Global Opportunities Network
SEPT
Submission Scoring Begins
OCT
Submission Scoring Ends
OCT
Finalists Announcement + Pitch Coaching Begins
NOV
FINALS! Pitching Begins
DEC
Winning Projects Announced
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing project funding, unique leadership learning, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
To be eligible for this program your social startup must be:
100% 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.
Fieldfisher is a leading European law firm committed to sustainability, accountability, and social impact. Its Just Purpose initiatives support civil society organisations to drive change through pro bono and community work.
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.
