Deadline: December 30, 2025
GrantsDatabase is pleased to open nominations for the January 2026 Young Innovator / Changemaker / Entrepreneur of the Month, the first edition of a global monthly spotlight celebrating young people who are advancing humanity through bold ideas, impactful ventures, and transformative solutions.
This initiative recognises outstanding young individuals from across the world who are solving real problems and creating meaningful change across sectors such as technology, education, health, climate action, social justice, sustainability, creative industries, and economic development.
About the Programme
The GrantsDatabase Young Innovator / Changemaker / Entrepreneur of the Month is a monthly recognition platform designed to:
- Amplify youth-led innovation and impact
- Inspire other young people to take action
- Increase visibility for emerging solutions
- Connect innovators with funding, opportunities, and global audiences
Each month, one exceptional young individual will be selected and featured across GrantsDatabase’s platforms.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Nominations are open to young people who meet the following criteria:
- Aged 16–35
- From any country
- Leading or actively developing an idea, project, initiative, or venture
- Addressing a clear problem with an innovative or impactful solution
- Demonstrating commitment, progress, and potential for growth
Projects may be at idea, pilot, or scaling stage.
Who Can Nominate?
- Self-nominations are welcome
- Third-party nominations from mentors, organisations, peers, educators, or community leaders are encouraged
There is no nomination fee.
What the January 2026 Awardee Receives
The selected January 2026 innovator will receive:
- A featured profile on GrantsDatabase
- A dedicated blog article or interview
- Global visibility across GrantsDatabase’s social media platforms
- A feature in the GrantsDatabase newsletter
- Priority visibility for relevant grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities
- Optional opportunities for webinars, interviews, or strategic support
Selection Criteria
Nominations will be reviewed based on:
- Innovation and originality
- Relevance and significance of the problem addressed
- Demonstrated or potential impact
- Sustainability and scalability of the solution
- Alignment with global development and innovation priorities
Key Dates (January 2026 Edition)
- Nominations open: 23 December 2025
- Nomination deadline: 30 December 2025
- Winner announcement: 5 January 2026
How to Nominate
To nominate a candidate for the January 2026 edition, complete the official nomination form, providing details about the nominee, their work, and the impact of their solution.
Early submissions are strongly encouraged.
Help Spotlight the Future
Across the world, young people are building solutions that move the human race forward. This initiative exists to ensure their work is recognised, amplified, and supported.
Submit a nomination today and help us celebrate the first GrantsDatabase Young Innovator / Changemaker / Entrepreneur of the Month for 2026.
