TCS and Social Shifters are looking for young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs (18-30) throughout Europe and the UK who are harnessing technology responsibly to accelerate the shift to circular systems and tackle the climate crisis.
GRANT FUNDING AWARD OF €10,000 PLUS FREE FOUNDER & PROJECT SUPPORT!
Accelerating Europe’s Shift to a Circular Economy
The linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model is failing our planet. Climate change and resource depletion now threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide – yet emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to create breakthrough solutions.
From AI-powered circular systems to blockchain-verified sustainability, the development of responsible technology-driven solutions must now be the catalyst for a shift to a truly circular economy.
Europe generates 2.2 billion tonnes of waste annually, with less than half being recycled.
Responsible Tech for a
circular economy
The TCS goIT Responsible Tech Challenge is designed to accelerate youth-led (ages 18-30) impact projects in Europe and the UK that harness technology to accelerate the shift to a circular economy. We’re particularly interested in projects that use AI, blockchain, data analytics, IoT and other emerging tech to:
1) Extend project lifecyclesthrough smart design, maintenance, or sharing.2) Optimise resource flowsin manufacturing, supply chains, or cities.3) Enable new circular business modelsthrough digital platforms and data.4) Transform waste into resourcesusing intelligent sorting or tracking.5) Empower circular consumptionthrough apps and tools.6) Create supply chain transparencyfor responsible sourcing and end of life.
We want to see sustainable, scalable solutions that demonstrate the responsible use of technology – considering ethics, privacy, equity, and unintended consequences alongside innovation potential.
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
Admission to TCS’s goIT Innovation Incubator and access to TCS Pace co-innovation ecosystem.
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 12 is all about taking action to ensure responsible consumption and production patterns. You can find more information here on the UN’s SDG website.
Responsible Consumption & Production
MEET OUR
IMPACT FOUNDERS!
"I've always been a believer that the fashion industry should be doing more to make clothing inclusive for all. I have designed the range in six colours and in a variety of sizes as I aim to make it as accessible for as many people as possible."
KAT POHORECKA | 22 | SCOTLAND
Kat is a young fashion designer pushing for equality
and inclusivity in the fashion industries.
Your 2025 Challenge Journey
From 1st May
Pre-Register to access our program EXTRAS!
JULY 1ST
Submissions Open
AUG
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?
The TCS goIT Responsible Tech Challenge is designed to give young impact founders in Europe and the UK a platform; providing project funding, unique leadership learning, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
To be eligible for this award 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.
Technology-driven – solutions should use AI, blockchain, data analytics, IoT and other emerging tech as part of the solution.
Tata Consultancy Services’ goIT (go Innovate Together) is a global digital innovation and career readiness program that has empowered over 350,000 young people across 51 countries to develop future-ready skills and create tech-for-good solutions.
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.
