guidelines

(TERMS & CONDITIONS)

CONTENTS
1. ELIGIBILITY 5
1.1. Age Requirements 5
1.2. Leadership by Young People 5
1.3. Geographic Accessibility 5
1.4. Impact and Mission Requirements 6
1.5. Eligibility Principles 6
1.6. Disqualification Conditions 6
1.7. Verification Process 6

2. ENTRANTS AND COLLABORATORS 7

2.1. Entrant Registration 7
2.2. Collaborators 7
2.3. Entrant Responsibilities 7
2.4. Collaborator Diversity 8
2.5. Primary Contact 8

3. PARTICIPATION COSTS AND SUPPORT 9

3.1. Entry Fees 9
3.2. Digital Accessibility 9
3.3. Submission Assistance 10
3.4. Access to Non-Financial Support 10
3.5. Additional Support to Finalists 10

4. PROJECT SUBMISSION 11
4.1. Submission Portal 11
4.2. Completeness of Submission 11
4.3. Language Requirements 11
4.4. English Proficiency 11
4.5. Deadline Enforcement 11
12
4.6. Multiple Submissions
12
4.7. Entrant Obligations
12
4.8. Intellectual Property 12
4.9. Usage Rights 12
4.10. Eligibility Checks 13
4.11. Grounds for Disqualification 13
5. USE OF GENERATIVE AI IN SUBMISSIONS 14
5.1. Guiding Principles 14
5.2. Permitted AI Usage 14
5.3. Prohibited AI Practices 14
5.4. Disclosure Requirements 15
5.5. Evaluation of AI-Assisted Submissions 15

6. COMPETITION PROCESS AND EVALUATION 16

6.1. Key Dates and Milestones 16
6.2. First-Phase Scoring 16
6.3. Scoring Criteria 16
6.4. Shortlisting Process 17
6.5. Finalist Pitching 17
6.6. Winner Selection 17
6.7. Post-Evaluation Feedback 17

7. PUBLICITY 18
7.1. Finalist Public Recognition 18
7.2. Media and Promotional Cooperation 18
7.3. Public Exposure 18
7.4. Privacy Considerations 18
7.5. Official Communication Channels 19
19
7.6. Social Media and Public Statements
19
7.7. Impact Storytelling
19
7.8. Publicity Consent and Opt-Outs 19

8. GRANT AWARDS 20
8.1. Award Range 20
8.2. Eligibility for Awards 20
8.3. Approved Use of Funds 21
21
8.4. Financial Responsibilities
21
8.5. Grounds for Withdrawal of Awards
21
8.6. Payment Process 21
8.7. Post-Award Reporting 21
8.8. Follow-on Support 21

9. DISCLAIMERS AND LIABILITY 22

9.1. General Disclaimer 22
9.2. Liability Limitations 22
9.3. Indemnification 22
23
9.4. Competition Modification and Cancellation
23
9.5. Withdrawal and Disqualification
23
9.6. Legal Jurisdiction 27 23
APPENDIX: DEFINITIONS 24
“Entrant” 24
“Team Member” 24
“Advisor” 24
“Collaborator” 24
“Project” 25
25
“Youth-led”
25
“Startup”
25
“Impact” 26
“Submission” 26
“Finalist” 26
“Awardee” 26
1. ELIGIBILITY

1.1. Age Requirements

The Global Innovation Challenge is exclusively open to individuals who:

• Are between 18 and 30 years old on or before the submission deadline

• Can provide official government-issued identification to verify age
• Represent the primary driving force behind their project's development

1.2. Leadership by Young People

Entrants must be able to demonstrate that young people hold a majority stake (51% or more) in
the group or startup behind the project, and that clear decision-making authority is held by
individuals in the eligible age range.

Special Provisions for Organizational Projects

Subdivisions of larger nonprofits or businesses are eligible only if:

• Young founders have complete autonomy

• The project has distinct operational independence
• Leadership and strategic direction are primarily youth-driven

1.3. Geographic Accessibility

Entrants and projects can be located anywhere in the world.

Country Restrictions

Submissions will NOT be accepted from the following countries, which are subject to UK
government financial sanctions:

• Russia • Syria • Iran • Venezuela

• Belarus • North Korea • Cuba

5
1.4. Impact and Mission Requirements

Social Impact Mandate Organizational Structure

• Submissions must demonstrate a clear, Submissions are welcome from:
direct, and positive social or environmental
impact • For-profit ventures
• Must align with at least one United Nations • Nonprofit organizations
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) • Unregistered initiatives

Registration Status
• The groups or startups submitting the project can be legally registered or unregistered
• If registered, the organization must have been incorporated no earlier than five years
before the submission deadline.

1.5. Eligibility Principles

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Genuine youth leadership

• Measurable social or environmental impact
• Innovative approach to addressing global challenges
• Potential for meaningful, scalable change

1.6. Disqualification Conditions

Submissions will be immediately disqualified if
they:
• Fail to meet age requirements
• Lack clear social impact focus
• Operate in restricted countries
• Are not primarily youth-controlled
• Provide false or misleading information

1.7. Verification Process

• All submissions undergo a comprehensive eligibility check (including age requirements)
• Entrants may be required to provide additional documentation
• Social Shifters reserves the right to verify all submitted information

6
2. entrants and collaborators

2.1. Entrant Registration

• Each submission must be registered by an individual Entrant
• The Entrant must be the founder, co-founder, or primary leader of the group or startup
submitting the project
• In cases of multiple founders, the Entrant must demonstrate clear executive or
decision-making authority

2.2. Collaborators
The competition welcomes “collaborators” - individuals who provide the capabilities,
perspectives, and accountability required to ensure the best possible project submission.

• Entrants may include unlimited collaborators to the submission

• The submission enables two types of collaborators - “team members” and “advisors”.
• “Team members” must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and be part of the primary
driving force behind their project's development - these team members are eligible to
participate in the program and enjoy its benefits.
• “Advisors” or mentors can be outside the eligible age range and support the project, but
cannot be listed as team members or receive support from Social Shifters.
• Only designated “team members” will be able to collaborate on and edit the submission.

2.3. Entrant Responsibilities

• Providing accurate and complete information about the project
• Ensuring all collaborators understand the competition rules
• Serving as the primary point of contact for competition communications
• Coordinating contributions from collaborators

7
2.4. Collaborator Diversity
Social Shifters encourages project collaborators that reflect:

• Diverse geographical backgrounds

• Interdisciplinary skills
• Varied perspectives on social impact

Submissions are evaluated on the strength of collective expertise and vision behind the project.

2.5. Primary Contact

The Entrant will be the primary point of contact for:

• Competition communications
• Potential follow-up opportunities
• Grant award processes

8
3. participation costs and support

3.1. Entry Fees

Social Shifters does NOT charge fees for participation.

3.2. Digital Accessibility

The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is conducted entirely online, with no need to
travel.

• Entrants must be able to access all competition materials, participate in video calls, and
pitch events online.
• Minimum technology requirements include:
◦ A laptop or desktop computer with internet access, and a camera and microphone to
participate in online calls and events.
◦ A stable internet connection to ensure access to all materials and uninterrupted
participation in online calls and pitch sessions.

3.3. Submission Assistance

Submission support will be made available to all registered entrants (and their team members),
including:

• Guidance documents
• FAQ section
• Support webinars
• Technical assistance

9
3.4. Access to Non-Financial Support
By submitting an entry, all entrants and named team members will be considered for access to
related or follow-up support opportunities that might become available for a period of 24
months following the deadline for submissions. These may include but are not limited to free
access to:

• Mentorship • Skills workshops • Peer support

• Online learning • Leadership programs • Partner product discounts

Access is not automatic but based on competition performance, individual project needs, and
the resources to be made available from competition partners.

3.5. Additional Support to Finalists

Shortlisted finalists receive enhanced support, including:

● One-to-one pitch coaching sessions

● Opportunities for additional visibility and publicity
● Access to alumni community resources and support

10
4. project submission

4.1. Submission Portal

• All submissions must be made through our Global Innovation Challenge portal.
• No alternative submission methods will be accepted

4.2. Completeness of Submission

• Submissions must be 100% complete
• Partial or incomplete submissions will be automatically disqualified
• All required sections must be fully addressed

4.3. Language Requirements

All submission materials (written entries, pitch decks, videos) must be provided in English.
Social Shifters cannot accept submissions or provide support in other languages.

4.4. English Proficiency

Entrants must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to effectively communicate their
Project's purpose, strategy, and impact throughout the competition. This includes the ability to
deliver written and verbal presentations, respond to judges’ questions, and engage with mentors
or peers.

4.5. Deadline Enforcement

• Only submissions that are complete and have been submitted by 29th August at 5PM
(GMT) can be considered.
• Entrants assume all risk of damaged, lost, late, incomplete, invalid, incorrect or
misdirected submissions.
• No extensions will be granted and submissions received after the deadline will be
automatically rejected.

11
4.6. Multiple Submissions
The competition is based on a single project submission process:

• Each entrant is permitted only one submission.

• Multiple submissions from the same entrant will be automatically disqualified and
removed from competition consideration.

Through a single project submission entrants will be eligible to be considered for multiple grant
award opportunities. The amount an entrant receives in the competition will not exceed $15,000
USD.

4.7. Entrant Obligations

Entrants assume full responsibility for:

• Submission accuracy
• Completeness of information
• Timely submission
• Technical challenges during submission

4.8. Intellectual Property

Entrants retain full intellectual property rights, and Social Shifters guarantees:

• Confidential handling of submissions

• Access limited to appointed judges
• No unauthorized distribution of materials

4.9. Usage Rights

By submitting, entrants grant Social Shifters:

• Non-exclusive right to promote in the competition

• Permission to showcase project for educational purposes
• Ability to use anonymized project insights

12
4.10. Eligibility Checks
All submissions undergo rigorous pre-evaluation verification process that
includes:
• Age confirmation
• Project eligibility assessment
• Completeness review
• Authenticity validation

4.11. Grounds for Disqualification

Submissions may be disqualified for:

• Providing false information

• Failing eligibility criteria
• Incomplete or unclear documentation
• Plagiarism or unoriginal content
• Violation of competition guidelines

13
5. use of generative in submissions

5.1. Guiding Principles

• Generative AI is viewed as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity

• The core of the submission must represent the entrant's original thinking
• AI should augment, not generate, the primary content
• Greater value placed on entrant experience, insights and entrepreneurial vision

5.2. Permitted AI Usage

Generative AI may be used to:

• Refine language and grammar

• Provide structural suggestions
• Help brainstorm ideas
• Assist in research and background information gathering
• Support technical writing and formatting

5.3. Prohibited AI Practices

Submissions will be disqualified if:

• AI generates the majority of content

• Substantial portions of text are directly copied from AI outputs
• The submission lacks clear human originality and insight
• Critical thinking and personal perspective are absent

14
5.4. Disclosure Requirements
Entrants must fully disclose AI tool usage in their submission:

• Confirming full disclosure of AI usage

• Affirming submission's original content

• Accepting competition AI guidelines

• Understanding potential consequences of misrepresentation

Submissions will be routinely reviewed at the pre-evaluation stage using software detection
tools to identify both AI-generated and AI-refined content in text.

5.5. Evaluation of AI-Assisted Submissions

Submissions using AI will be evaluated on:

• Authenticity of submission
• Consistency of voice and perspective
• Originality of core concept
• Depth of personal insight and understanding
• Quality of critical thinking
• Demonstration of personal expertise

15
6. competition process and evaluation
6.1. Key Dates and Milestones

• June 2nd, 2025: Submissions Open

• August 29th, 2025: Submissions Close (5:00 PM GMT)
• September - October, 2025: Project Scoring
• October, 2025: Finalists announced
• October, 2025: Coaching for Finalists Begins
• November, 2025: Finalist Pitching Begins
• December, 2025: Grant Award Winners Announced

6.2. First-Phase Scoring

• Submissions are reviewed and scored by a global panel of over 3,000 volunteer judges
from leading companies
• Each submission is evaluated by a minimum of 5 independent judges
• Objective scoring is based on predefined criteria
• Judges from different backgrounds ensure comprehensive assessment

6.3. Scoring Criteria

1. Impact 3. Innovation
• Potential to solve demonstrable social • Originality of approach
or environmental challenges • Breakthrough solution to identified
• Alignment with UN Sustainable problem
Development Goals • Creative thinking and novel
• Measurable positive outcomes methodologies
• Depth and breadth of proposed impact • Potential to disrupt existing approaches

2. Feasibility 4. Scalability
• Realistic implementation strategy • Potential for expansion and broader
• Resource requirements and availability implementation
• Technical and operational viability • Adaptability to different contexts
• Clear path to execution • Long-term sustainability
• Ability to create systemic change

16
6.4. Shortlisting Process

• A minimum of 5 projects will be shortlisted per grant award

• Selection is based on judge scores and alignment with sponsor interests

6.5. Finalist Pitching

• Finalists will pitch to an expert judging panel

• Pitch format: Video call presentation
• Judges will evaluate:

◦ Presentation quality
◦ Depth of project understanding
◦ Communication skills
◦ Response to challenging questions

6.6. Winner Selection

• Final selection is made by an expert judging panel

• Considerations include:

◦ Pitch performance
◦ Original submission scores
◦ Sponsor preferences
◦ Potential for meaningful impact

• Judges' decisions are final and binding

6.7. Post-Evaluation Feedback

● Constructive feedback will provided to finalist on request

● Focus of feedback will be on developmental insights
● Guidance will be offered for future improvement

17
7. publicity
7.1. Finalist Public Recognition
Finalists will be publicly acknowledged and required to agree to:

• Use of their names

• Sharing of photographs
• Disclosure of country of residence
• Basic project information release

7.2. Media and Promotional Cooperation

Finalists are expected to:

• Cooperate with competition promotional activities

• Provide assets for marketing materials
• Participate in potential media interactions
• Support competition storytelling efforts

7.3. Public Exposure

By participating, entrants consent to:

• Potential public showcasing of their project

• Use of project details for promotional purposes
• Media coverage and public recognition

7.4. Privacy Considerations

Personal data collected during submission will be:

• Used solely for competition purposes

• Handled in compliance with data protection regulations
• Not sold or shared with unauthorized third parties

Participants have rights to request information about their stored data, request data removal,
and understand how their information is used.

18
7.5. Official Communication Channels
Social Shifters controls official communication relating to the competition and entrants
should:

• Refer media inquiries

• Maintain consistency in project messaging
• Represent the competition professionally

7.6. Social Media and Public Statements

Finalists and awardees are encouraged to:

• Share information about the competition journey responsibly

• Use designated competition hashtags
• Respect confidentiality agreements
• Avoid premature disclosure of sensitive information

7.7. Impact Storytelling

Winning projects may be featured in:

• Competition highlight reels

• Impact reports
• Social media channels
• Partner organization communications
• Fundraising and awareness efforts

7.8. Publicity Consent and Opt-Outs

• Entrants should read the publicity terms before submission
• Some basic publicity is mandatory for all finalists
• Detailed opt-out processes will be communicated
• Participants can discuss specific concerns with organizers

19
8. Grant awards
8.1. Award Range

• Multiple grant awards are available

• Individual grant amounts vary from $1,000 to $10,000 USD
• Different sponsors may offer category/themed awards or targeted grants
• The total number and specific values vary by sponsor
• Awards will be continually added and updated throughout the competition

8.2. Eligibility for Awards

Only projects completing the full competition process are
eligible:

• Must submit a fully eligible application

• Must be selected for final pitching
• Must be chosen by the expert judging panel

8.3. Approved Use of Funds

Grant funding should be used to advance your project as outlined in your submission and final
Grant Agreement.

You can use the funds for:

• Project development and implementation

• Equipment or materials
• Technical resources
• Marketing and communications
• Team capacity building
• Other project-related costs

Important restrictions:

• Maximum 10% can be used for travel expenses

• Funds must align with your proposed budget
• Money should directly support project goals
• Personal expenses are not permitted

20
8.4. Financial Responsibilities
Awardees are responsible for:

• Applicable taxes
• Additional project-related expenses not covered by the grant
• Providing comprehensive financial reporting
• Demonstrating proper use of funds
• Maintaining detailed financial records
• Submitting progress updates for 12 months following award

8.5. Grounds for Withdrawal of Awards

Social Shifters may withdraw awards if an awardee:

• Uses false information, fraud or corruption to obtain the award

• Was ineligible at the time of submission
• Fails to meet competition obligations
• Violates competition terms and conditions
• Does not claim the award within 12 months

8.6. Payment Process

• Payment made within one month of completing grant awards process
• Processed via bank transfer in an agreed currency
• Typically paid in a single installment
• Contingent on timely submission of required documentation

8.7. Post-Award Reporting

Awardees are expected to:

• Provide project progress updates for a period of 12 months

• Participate in follow-up activities
• Maintain communication with Social Shifters
• Contribute to competition's impact reporting

8.8. Follow-on Support

Beyond financial support, awardees may be eligible to receive:

• Mentorship opportunities
• Peer support
• Continued access to competition resources
• Potential future funding opportunities
21
9. disclaimers and liability

9.1. General Disclaimer

Competition Limitations Participant Understanding

Social Shifters provides the Global Innovation Participants acknowledge that:
Challenge "as is" with no explicit or implied
guarantees are made about: • Participation does not guarantee funding
• Competition support is provided
• Competition outcomes voluntarily
• Potential success of submitted projects • Results depend on individual project
• Future opportunities for participants merits

9.2. Liability Limitations

Scope of Responsibility Participant Risk

Social Shifters shall not be liable for: • Participants enter the competition at
their own risk
• Direct or indirect damages arising from • Personal and project-related decisions
competition participation remain the sole responsibility of the
• Any losses incurred during the participants
competition process • Social Shifters provides a platform, not a
• Technical failures or interruptions guaranteed outcome
• Incomplete or unsuccessful submissions

9.3. Indemnification

Participant Agreements Specific Indemnification Clauses

By participating, entrants agree to: Participants shall indemnify Social Shifters
from claims related to:
• Indemnify Social Shifters against any
claims • Intellectual property disputes
• Protect the organization from potential • Inaccurate or misleading information
legal actions • Violations of competition guidelines
• Take full responsibility for their • Third-party rights infringements
submissions and actions
22
9.4. Competition Modification and Cancellation

Organizational Rights Reasons for Modification

Social Shifters reserves the right to: Potential grounds for changes include:

• Modify competition rules at any time • Insufficient quality of submissions

• Suspend or cancel the competition • Technical difficulties
• Alter timelines or evaluation processes • Funding constraints
• Adjust award structures • Unforeseen circumstances
• Regulatory requirements

Force Majeure
Social Shifters is not responsible for competition disruptions caused by:

• Natural disasters • Technological failures

• Pandemics • Other extraordinary circumstances
• Government actions

9.5. Withdrawal and Disqualification

Participant Withdrawal Disqualification Grounds

Participants may withdraw by: Social Shifters may disqualify participants for:

• Submitting official withdrawal notification • Violation of competition guidelines

• Providing clear reasons for withdrawal • Providing false or misleading
• Ensuring no pending obligations information
• Unethical behavior
• Compromising competition integrity
• Failure to meet eligibility criteria

9.6. Legal Jurisdiction

Governing Law Dispute Resolution

• The competition is governed by the laws • Informal resolution of disputes is
of Scotland encouraged
• Any disputes will be resolved in Scottish • Mediation should be the primary dispute
Courts resolution method
• International participants agree to these • Formal legal action should be considered a
terms last resort

23
appenfix: definitions

“Entrant”

An individual who registers to participate in the Global Innovation Challenge. To be an Entrant,

you must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of submission

• Be the founder, primary leader, or co-founder of the group or startup that is making the
submission
• Have clear decision-making authority within the group or startup

“Team Member”

An individual who is part of the group or startup submitting a project. Team Members:

• Must be between 18 and 30 years old

• Must be part of the primary driving force (group) behind their project's development
• Are recognized as part of the official team but are not considered primary Entrants
• Are eligible to participate in the program and enjoy its benefits

“Advisor”

An individual expert who collaborates on the submission. Advisors or mentors:

• Can be of any age

• Contribute essential skills, perspectives, and support to the project's development
• Will not be recognised as part of the project team or eligible for support

“Collaborator”

Any individual formally linked to the submitted Project. Collaborators:

• Contribute to the success of the submission

• Will be named on the submission
• Can be team members or advisors
• May be eligible or ineligible for wider support through the program

24
“Project”

Social impact or startup activities that are the focus of the Entrant's submission. A Project
must:

• Be submitted by an eligible Entrant

• Have a clearly defined scope and activities
• Be developed and delivered by youth-led group or startup
• Have a clear and demonstrable social or environmental impact

“Youth-led”

A designation that reflects the level of youth ownership, control and decision-making in a
project. For the competition, "Youth-Led" means:

• Young people (18-30 years old) hold a majority stake (51% or more) in the group or
startup behind the submission
• Youth have clear decision-making authority in leadership, operations, and finances
• Projects that are subdivisions of larger organizations are only eligible if the youth team
has complete autonomy over strategy, operations, and budget

“Startup”

A new or emerging venture focused on creating social and/or environmental

impact. Characteristics include:

• Registered for less than five years

• May be for-profit or nonprofit
• Led, owned, and controlled by young people
• Focused on innovative solutions to societal or environmental challenges

“Impact”

The positive social or environmental change a Project aims to create. Impact must:

• Be demonstrable and measurable

• Clearly explain the potential for meaningful change
• Align with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Show a direct and substantive approach to addressing a specific challenge

25
“Submission”
All materials and information provided to officially enter the competition, including:

• Completed submission form

• Supporting videos or documentation
• Pitch deck

“Finalist”

An Entrant (and their Project) that has successfully passed initial evaluation stages. Finalists:

• Receive additional coaching and support

• Are invited to pitch for grant awards
• Represent the top-tier projects in the competition

“Awardee”

An Entrant (and their Project) selected as a winner and recipient of a grant award. Awardees:

• Are chosen from among the Finalists

• Receive financial support for their project
• Commit to specific reporting and follow-up responsibilities
• Must use funds in alignment with their original project proposal

26
 need support?
Please reach out to
[email protected]