D-Prize Global Competition 2026 (Round 2) for Social Entrepreneurs (Up To $USD 20,000)

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Applications are now open for D-Prize Global Competition 2026 (round 2). Every year, D-Prize looks for entrepreneurs who can build new ventures around solutions proven to alleviate poverty and reach more of the people who need them.

They provide up to $20,000 in seed capital to help entrepreneurs launch ventures distributing proven interventions in healthcare, agriculture, livelihoods, clean water, public services, and more.

You don’t need to be an experienced founder. Many D-Prize-funded entrepreneurs are first-time founders. What matters is that you’re ambitious, ready to build, and able to commit full-time.

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.
We 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.

Timeline

Select an intervention above and be prepared for the following deadlines:

The Global Competition launches on 14 September 2026
Early Submission Deadline: 25 October 2026 at midnight PT (Pacific Time)
Regular Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026 at midnight PT (Pacific Time)
Extension Deadline: 6 December 2026 at midnight 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.