The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 2026
Check your eligibility
Create a free account and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
An international competition by The Gap in Between (Social Nest Foundation) offering a cash prize, mentorship, and investor connections for impact-driven startups.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹9 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- The Gap in Between
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by The Gap in Between. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2026 is an esteemed international competition organized by The Gap in Between, an initiative spearheaded by the Social Nest Foundation. This challenge is specifically designed for impact-driven startups dedicated to developing innovative solutions for pressing social and environmental issues across various sectors. The program aims to identify, support, and elevate ventures that demonstrate significant potential for positive change.
Participants in the challenge gain invaluable visibility within the global impact investment community, receive strategic mentorship from experienced professionals within the Social Nest / The Gap in Between network, and establish crucial connections with impact investors. Beyond the significant exposure, winners are awarded a substantial cash prize to fuel their growth and further develop their solutions. This competition serves as a vital platform for early-stage and growing impact ventures to accelerate their journey towards creating a sustainable and equitable future.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Organizers
The Gap in Between is an initiative of the Social Nest Foundation, a global organization supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs and investors. It runs an annual international Startup Challenge and connects social and environmental ventures with mentorship, community and impact…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹9 Lakhs
What You Get
The winning startup(s) will receive a significant cash prize of approximately ₹9 lakh (equivalent to €10,000 at the time of announcement) to accelerate their development and impact initiatives. Beyond the financial award, participants benefit from bespoke mentorship and strategic support from the extensive Social Nest / The Gap in Between network. This includes unparalleled visibility to prominent impact investors and direct access to a vibrant global impact-entrepreneurship community, fostering collaboration and future funding opportunities. The program offers a crucial platform for scaling ventures committed to social and environmental solutions.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for The Gap in Between Startup Challenge are rigorously reviewed by a panel of experts from the Social Nest Foundation and its network, including seasoned entrepreneurs, impact investors, and sector specialists. The initial screening process evaluates startups based on their innovative solutions, the clarity of their impact model, market potential, and team capabilities. Shortlisted startups typically proceed to a more detailed evaluation phase, which may involve interviews or requests for additional information. The final selection often culminates in a pitch competition or presentation round, where finalists present their ventures to a grand jury, who then select the ultimate winner(s) based on predefined criteria, including scalability, sustainability, and demonstrable impact.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants complete and submit their detailed application via the F6S platform, including all required documents and information about their impact venture.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of startups are eligible for The Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2026?
The challenge is designed for impact-driven startups that are actively tackling social and environmental problems. Ventures from a wide range of sectors are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate a clear commitment to positive impact.
Is there a specific country requirement for applicants?
No, The Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2026 is an international competition. Startups and founders from any country, including India, are welcome to apply without any stated geographical restrictions.
What is the funding amount for the winner(s)?
The winner(s) of the challenge will receive a cash prize of approximately ₹9 lakh, which is equivalent to €10,000. This is a non-repayable, equity-free prize.
Does The Gap in Between take equity from participating startups?
No, this is an equity-free competition. The Gap in Between does not take any equity stake from the participating or winning startups.
What kind of support do participants receive besides the cash prize?
Beyond the financial award, selected startups will gain access to valuable mentorship from the Social Nest / The Gap in Between network. They will also receive significant visibility among impact investors and connections to the global impact entrepreneurship community, fostering networking and potential future investment opportunities.
How do I apply for the Startup Challenge 2026?
Applications must be submitted through the official F6S application page dedicated to The Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2026. Please ensure all required information and documentation are completed before the deadline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
