The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 2026

The Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2026 is an international competition organized by The Gap in Between, an initiative of the Social Nest Foundation. It is designed for impact-driven startups working on innovative solutions to social and environmental issues across various sectors. The program aims to identify and support ventures with high potential for positive change.

Participants gain visibility in the global impact investment community, receive mentorship from experienced professionals in the Social Nest / The Gap in Between network, and connect with impact investors. Winners receive a cash prize to fuel growth and scale their solutions. This competition serves as a platform for early-stage and growing impact ventures to accelerate their journey.

• Equity-free cash prize of approximately ₹9 lakh (€10,000)
• International competition for impact-driven startups
• Mentorship from the Social Nest / The Gap in Between network
• Access to global impact investors and a vibrant entrepreneurship community
• No application fees or equity required

The challenge is open to impact-driven startups globally. There are no specific country restrictions, so founders from India are eligible. Startups must focus on addressing social and environmental problems. The competition does not prescribe particular stages, industries, states, or entity types. No DPIIT or MSME registration is required.

The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 2026 closed on 14 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

The winning startup(s) receive a cash prize of approximately ₹9 lakh (equivalent to €10,000 at the time of announcement). This is equity-free and non-repayable. Additional benefits include mentorship and strategic support from the Social Nest / The Gap in Between network, visibility to impact investors, and access to a global impact-entrepreneurship community, which can lead to future funding and collaboration opportunities.

The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 2026 is offered by The Gap in Between, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by The Gap in Between as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts from the Social Nest Foundation and its network, including entrepreneurs, impact investors, and sector specialists. Initial screening evaluates innovation, impact model, market potential, and team capabilities. Shortlisted startups may proceed to a detailed evaluation phase involving interviews or requests for additional information. The final selection culminates in a pitch competition where finalists present to a grand jury, who choose the winner(s) based on scalability, sustainability, and demonstrable impact.

Before you apply to The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 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.

The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹9L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.