Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award

Opening soon Global Citizen and Cisco United States

Prize

$250,000 to one winner a year, paid to their organisation.

Visit the official site

What it funds: $250,000 yearly prize for a young leader using technology to end extreme poverty
Who can apply: Individuals aged 18 to 30, from any country
Uses technology to fight extreme poverty
Measurable impact over the last 3 to 5 years
Prize money goes to the winner's organisation
When you can apply: Opening soon
How to apply: Watch the award page for the 2027 call. Apply online once it opens.
Best for: Early revenue, Growth stage
Run by: International programmes

Global Innovation Fund (GIF)Up to USD 230,000 (pilot), USD 2.3 million (test) or USD 15 million (scale) Open all year
Google for Startups Cloud ProgramUp to $2,000 in credits; up to $200,000 if VC-backed ($350,000 for AI) Open all year
Microsoft for Startups (Azure Credits)$200 to $1,000 to start; up to $150,000 in Azure credits Open all year
MongoDB for StartupsAtlas credits for 12 months; amount set by tier Open all year
MSME Innovative Scheme (Incubation, Design, IPR)Up to ₹15 lakh per idea; up to ₹40 lakh per design project; patent refunds up to ₹5 lakh Open now
National Startup Awards₹10 lakh to one winner in each category Closes 20 Nov 2026
Global Citizen Waislitz AwardsUS$100,000 each, three awards a year Closed
K-Startup Grand ChallengePrize pool KRW 380 million (top 20) plus KRW 250 million scale-up grants (top 8) Closed

Starter opens 30 grants in full. Pro opens every one.