Global Innovation Competitions

Fund the founders who will reshape the world.

SVF runs flagship science and entrepreneurship competitions on five continents — connecting breakthrough teams with capital, mentorship, and the platform to scale their impact. Unique role of this site: 社会创新项目阶段.

12,400+
Founders backed since 2014
$48M
Total prize capital awarded
94
Partner countries & regions
320+
University & corporate partners
FIVE CHALLENGE TRACKS

Where breakthrough teams compete

Each track pairs a $50,000 prize with twelve months of accelerator support.

01

Climate & Sustainability

Decarbonisation, circular economy, oceans, biodiversity, and resilient agriculture.

02

AI & Frontier Tech

Trustworthy AI, robotics, quantum, advanced materials, and computing infrastructure.

03

HealthTech & Biotech

Diagnostics, mental health, longevity, biomanufacturing, and global health access.

04

EdTech & Social Impact

Lifelong learning, workforce equity, civic technology, and inclusive finance.

05

Smart Cities & Mobility

Urban resilience, clean mobility, energy grids, and connected infrastructure.

WHY COMPETE WITH SVF

More than a prize. A platform.

$

Non-dilutive capital

Cash prizes from $10,000 to $250,000 — yours to keep, with no equity claim.

★

Tier-1 mentorship

Structured coaching, when a seat is awarded, is an SVF programme element.

↗

Global stage

Pitch on the SVF Summit stage in New York to 600+ investors, press, and policy leaders.

✓

Verified credential

Every laureate receives a cryptographically signed certificate, verifiable on SVF.org.

2026 CHALLENGE TIMELINE

Four stages from application to global finals

Applications Opened

March 1, 2026

Regional Semifinals

Sept 2026

Global Finals (NYC)

Nov 14, 2026

2026 laureate accelerator

Twelve-month seat as published

JURY ROLES

Panels are seated by role. Named universities on older drafts are not SVF partners.

SVF jury seats are role-based University names are landscape, not partners
LATEST

News & announcements

View all news →
SVF · 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT · MAY 2026

2026 SVF Global Challenge opens with record participation

More than 4,200 teams from 94 countries have applied to the 2026 edition.

Read more
SVF · PROGRAMME
PROGRAMME · APR 2026

Accelerator outline (programme note)

A twelve-month SVF accelerator outline for 2026 laureates. University names on older drafts are not partners.

Read more
CLIMATE
FIELD REPORT · MAR 2026

How the 2025 climate cohort is performing one year on

Annual review of 32 climate laureates: capital raised, deployments and learnings.

Read more
THE FIELD

How SVF sits in the global landscape

Read the landscape briefing →
FAQ

Questions founders actually ask

Open the full FAQ →

CREDENTIALS

Every SVF award is independently verifiable

Ready to back the next decade of breakthroughs?

Whether you're a founder, an investor, a university, or a corporate partner — there's a way to engage with SVF.

Get in touch