Startup Challenge 2026

The Startup Challenge of The Gap in Between is an international call designed to boost entrepreneurship as a driver of social and environmental transformation.

We seek to identify and showcase startups that are developing innovative solutions to today’s most urgent challenges. Through this challenge, we not only connect impact-driven entrepreneurs with resources, capital, and strategic allies but also place them at the center of a global conversation about the future we aim to build: fairer, more inclusive, regenerative, and collaborative.

In 2026, the challenge focuses on five key innovation verticals:

1. Climate Tech & Energy
2. Smart Cities & Mobility
3. AgriTech & Food Systems
4. Health, Wellbeing & Care
5. Social & Economic Systems

To apply to the TGIB Startup Challenge, startups must:

• Be legally incorporated at the time of application.
• Have a validated MVP or product in the market, beyond the idea stage.
• Operate at an Early or Growth stage, with demonstrated capacity to execute and grow.
• Demonstrate technical and commercial viability, with a clear value proposition.
• Have a committed founding team, with relevant experience or complementary skills.
• Fit within one of TGIB’s impact tracks, as defined in the Challenge.
• Generate positive and measurable social and/or environmental impact as part of their core.
• Show relevance for real-world adoption, either through market traction, pilots, partnerships, or clear use cases with corporates, institutions or communities.