The WSA Young Innovators Award 2026 is a prestigious recognition program that celebrates and supports innovative digital solutions and projects developed by young entrepreneurs and innovators. This World Summit Awards (WSA) focuses on initiatives thatย leverageย digital technology to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positivelyย impactย society. Thisย international awardย is specifically for young innovators under the age of 26. The WSA Award invites entries from a broad range of participants. This includes entrepreneurs, businesses, student groups, and project teams, making it an inclusive opportunity for various participants.ย
The WSA Young Innovators Award is open to solutions that uphold several key criteria. First and foremost, these solutions must align with and contribute to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing their commitment to making a positive impact on society and addressing pressing global challenges. In addition to social relevance, these solutions must offer content-rich experiences to a diverse range of users and meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations alike. Moreover, applicants can submit any mobile or web-based solution, including apps, websites, wearable applications, kiosk installations, SMS-based products, games, and interactive productions. The program does not place any restrictions on platforms or channels. All applicants must submit fully launched products with proven social impact and market presence. The award competition does not accept ideas, drafts, prototypes, or incomplete projects.
Moreover, after its launch in 2003, within the context of the UN World Summit on the Information Society (UN WSIS), WSA serves as a contributor to the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda. Similarly, the World Summit Awards (WSA)ย operatesย as a distinctive recognition system thatย identifiesย and champions local digital innovations to enhance societal well-being. Through a continuous series of worldwide events and initiatives and by fostering a global community that includes startups, social entrepreneurs, mentors, judges, speakers, experts, government officials, academics, and civil society representatives, WSA serves as a global platform that showcases pioneering instances of how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can contribute positively to society. With two decades of international engagement, WSA hasย establishedย itself as a symbol of excellence for digital content that makes a meaningful impact on society across more than 182 participating countries.ย