Applications are now officially open for the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition, a flagship global initiative designed to empower young innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers from around the world. This prestigious competition provides a unique platform for youth-led teams and individuals to present transformative solutions to some of today’s most urgent development challenges, while engaging directly with global decision-makers, technical experts, and development practitioners.
Organized as a core component of the annual Youth Summit, the Pitch Competition celebrates the creativity, resilience, and leadership potential of young people. It emphasizes the role of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for job creation, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development. Each year, the competition attracts visionary changemakers who are ready to move their ideas beyond theory and into practical, scalable impact.
About the Pitch Competition
The Youth Summit Pitch Competition is more than just a contest—it is an innovation accelerator. Participants are challenged to present bold and viable ideas that address development gaps while demonstrating strong potential for growth and replication. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions live during the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026, hosted at the World Bank Group Headquarters in Washington, D.C., USA.
The competition brings together a global ecosystem of young leaders, policymakers, investors, and development professionals, creating a space where fresh ideas meet real-world expertise. Through this process, participants gain visibility, mentorship, and invaluable feedback that can help turn early-stage concepts into impactful ventures.
Thematic Focus Areas
While the Pitch Competition is open to innovative ideas from all sectors, applicants are strongly encouraged to align their solutions with the Youth Summit’s broader development priorities. In particular, proposed projects should demonstrate how entrepreneurship can contribute to:
- Job creation and inclusive economic opportunities
- Education and skills development, especially for youth and underserved communities
- Agriculture and food systems, with a focus on productivity, sustainability, and value chains
In addition to these core areas, projects may integrate cross-cutting themes such as:
- Technology and digital innovation
- Solutions for Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries (FCV)
- Innovative financing models and investment strategies
Solutions that effectively combine multiple thematic perspectives and show adaptability across different contexts are especially encouraged.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The competition is open to young people from across the globe who are passionate about creating meaningful change.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old throughout the duration of the event
(Born on or after 13 June 1990 and on or before 13 June 2008) - Apply as an individual or as part of a team (maximum of five members per team)
- Be a national of a World Bank Group member country
- Present a solution that demonstrates:
- Clear innovation
- Strong potential for impact
- Scalability and sustainability
Both early-stage ideas and more developed projects are welcome, provided they clearly articulate a compelling problem-solution fit and a realistic pathway to growth.
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Why You Should Apply (Benefits & Opportunities)
Finalists selected for the Pitch Competition will receive extensive support and global exposure. Key benefits include:
- Professional pitch coaching and tailored feedback from World Bank Group and partner technical advisors
- The opportunity to present your project live at the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026
- Access to a global network of peers, experts, and institutional stakeholders
Winners of the competition will receive customized mentoring from experts at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This mentorship will cover critical areas such as:
- Business and financial modeling
- Market and customer analysis
- Context-specific insights to strengthen implementation
In addition, travel support may be provided for one representative per finalist team to attend the Summit in Washington, D.C., subject to eligibility requirements and visa approvals.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their entries through the official online application portal. The submission process includes:
- Completing the online application form
- Uploading a pitch deck (using the official template provided)
- Submitting a short video pitch explaining the problem, solution, and impact
All application details, templates, and technical instructions are available directly within the submission form. Applicants are strongly advised to carefully review all requirements before submitting to ensure full compliance with competition guidelines.
Important Notes:
- Applications must be submitted in English only
- Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered
Required Documents & Resources
Applicants will have access to the following official materials:
- World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 – Pitch Deck Template
- World Bank Group Youth Summit Pitch Competition 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Official Website
For full details, application access, and updates, visit the official website:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2026/06/11/youth-summit-2026-future-works-designing-jobs-for-the-digital-age#5
This competition represents a powerful opportunity for young changemakers to turn ideas into action, gain global exposure, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. If you have a solution that can make a difference—this is your moment.