Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026
A global grant of USD 250,000 for young leaders aged 18-30 using technology to advance the UN Global Goals.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.2Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Global Citizen (NGO/Foundation)
- Application deadline
- Closed (17 Dec 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is an annual, global award that recognizes an exceptional young leader, aged 18 to 30, who is using technology, innovation, and social impact solutions to advance the United Nations Global Goals and contribute to ending extreme poverty.
The award provides a USD 250,000 grant, paid directly to the winner's legally registered organization. This funding is intended to support scaling innovative solutions, strengthening operations, and expanding community reach.
Judging criteria include measurable impact over 3-5 years, a concrete vision for the future, ability to inspire other young people, demonstration of global citizenship values, and effective use of technology or digital tools.
Highlights
- USD 250,000 grant paid directly to the winner's organization.
- Recognizes young leaders aged 18-30 globally.
- Focus on technology-driven solutions for the UN Global Goals.
- Winner celebrated at Global Citizen NOW event in May 2026.
- Open to all entity types: non-profit, social enterprise, for-profit, B-corp.
Who can apply
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. You must be actively engaged in a legally registered organization or initiative (non-profit, social enterprise, for-profit, B-corp, or other recognized entity) and hold a meaningful leadership or management role. Founders and non-founders are both eligible. Your work must demonstrate 3 to 5 years of verifiable impact in advancing one or more of the UN Global Goals, with evidence of using technology or digital tools to drive results. The award is open to applicants from all countries globally.
Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 closed on 17 Dec 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
One winner receives a USD 250,000 grant paid directly to their legally registered organization. The funding is intended to scale innovative solutions, strengthen operations, and expand community reach. The winner is announced and celebrated at the Global Citizen NOW event.
About the provider
Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 is offered by Global Citizen, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Global Citizen as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Eligible applications are reviewed by a selection committee from Global Citizen, Cisco, and independent experts. Up to five finalists are selected around February 2, 2026. Finalists must submit three letters of recommendation/endorsement (from a colleague, a funder/operational partner, and a person impacted by their work). The winner is announced at the Global Citizen NOW event in May 2026.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.2Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The award provides a USD 250,000 grant, which is paid directly to the legally registered organization affiliated with the winning applicant.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by December 17, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals aged 18 to 30 who hold a leadership or management role in a legally registered organization (non-profit, social enterprise, for-profit, or B-corp) and have 3 to 5 years of verifiable impact on the UN Global Goals using technology.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant program and does not take any equity in the organization.
What documents are required for the application?
You need to provide basic personal and organizational details, a scanned copy of a valid passport, proof of organization registration, a 1-2 minute YouTube video pitch, and written responses to short questions.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the online application form on the Global Citizen website. You must include a video pitch (1-2 minutes on YouTube) and answer short questions.
Can founders and non-founders apply?
Yes, both founders and non-founders are eligible as long as you hold a meaningful leadership or management role.
Is the award open to Indian startups?
Yes, the award is open globally, including applicants from all countries.
What are the judging criteria?
Judging is based on impact (proven results over 3-5 years), vision (concrete plan for next 3-5 years), catalyst (ability to inspire youth), global citizenship values (integrity, empathy, collaboration), and technology innovation (use of digital tools to improve efficiency and reach).
Is DPIIT recognition required for Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026?
Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 is offered by Global Citizen, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026
Not sure Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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