D-Prize Global Competition 2026 for Social Entrepreneurs (Up To $USD 20,000)

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Applications are now open for D-Prize Global Competition 2026. If you’ve ever wanted to build something that tackles extreme poverty, this is your moment. D-Prize is on a mission to provide the world’s best poverty solutions to those in need. They give up to $20,000 to anyone who can solve this challenge.

The D-Prize seed new organizations distributing proven poverty solutions, all aiming to scale.

D-Prize Global Competition Interventions

Select an intervention below to begin your application. Use the menu to filter by sector.

Benefits

All winners will be awarded up to $20,000. The award is offered in the form of a convertible
grant.

Requirements

You should have enormous ambition and can imagine yourself as a successful entrepreneur.
You are ready to launch your new venture, and if a pilot proves successful you are excited to
grow it into a world-changing organization.
If you are still a student or have existing commitments, you should have a clear idea of how
to transition into a full-time founder.
D-Prize is exclusively interested in ventures that will scale the distribution of an already
proven poverty intervention in the developing world.

Eligibility Criteria for D-Prize Global Competition

New organizations only. Most awardees are first-time entrepreneurs who have not yet launched or raised outside funding.
Thwy especially encourage applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
Organizations with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than $30,000 USD raised typically not supported.
Existing organizations considered only if your core focus is distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention.

D-Prize Global Competition Program Timeline

Select a challenge above and be prepared for the following deadlines:

The Global Competition launches on 7 April 2026
Early Submission Deadline: 17 May 2026 at 23:59 PT (Pacific Time)
Regular Submission Deadline: 7 June 2026 at 23:59 PT (Pacific Time)
Extension Deadline: 28 June 2026 at 23:59 PT (Pacific Time)

Evaluation Process

Round 1
- Submit your two-page concept note and resume(s). We receive 3000+ submissions per competition.
Round 2
- Top 5% of entrepreneurs are invited to answer short written questions. You will have two weeks to draft and submit.
Final Round
- Top entrepreneurs have phone and email interviews. The top 1% receive up to $20,000 to launch.
Award & Launch
- Spend the next few months piloting your idea and building an organization that soon grows to a large scale.