Deadline: August 12, 2025
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 is now open for applications, offering a unique global platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their sustainable ideas and drive impactful change. Hosted by the Stiftung Entrepreneurship through the Entrepreneurship Campus, this year’s edition invites participants to submit innovative solutions that align with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether you’re a young changemaker or an experienced visionary, this competition could be your launchpad to global visibility and entrepreneurial growth.
About the Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2025
Since its inception in 2013 at UNESCO Paris, the Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 has evolved into a globally recognized initiative promoting innovation and sustainable development. Open to individuals aged 13 and above, this competition is designed to nurture and showcase entrepreneurial ideas with real-world impact. The 2025 edition is exclusively focused on idea submissions (not full ventures) and is free to enter for participants from around the world.
Competition Timeline
- Pitch Submission Window: 12 May – 11 July 2025
- Public Voting Phase: 12 July – 12 August 2025
- Final Jury Evaluation: Post-12 August 2025
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to anyone aged 13 and above, regardless of nationality or background. All ideas must align with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether you’re proposing a solution to climate change, education inequality, or poverty reduction, your pitch is welcome.
How It Works
Phase 1 – Submit Your Pitch
Between 12 May and 11 July, participants submit a brief online pitch of their entrepreneurial idea in English. This pitch should clearly outline the innovation, target impact, and how it addresses specific SDGs.
Phase 2 – Complete Required Training
If your pitch is accepted, you’ll gain access to:
- Two Free Online Courses:
- Brains versus Capital
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurial Design Canvas (EDC):
A comprehensive business model tool required for progressing to the next round.
Phase 3 – Public Voting
Once your EDC and courses are completed, your idea becomes visible for public voting starting 12 July. Participants are encouraged to engage with the community to gain support and visibility. Voting closes on 12 August at midnight.
Phase 4 – Jury Assessment
The top 10 ideas (based on votes) move to the final evaluation round. A jury selects winners based on criteria such as:
- Vision and innovation
- Feasibility and leadership
- Social impact and sustainability
Why You Should Apply
- 💡 Free access to expert entrepreneurship courses
- 🌍 Global exposure and community networking with participants from over 140 countries
- 🏆 Opportunity to be named a category winner including the prestigious YoungStar Award (for ages 13–29)
- 🎯 Tailored feedback and the chance to make a tangible impact through entrepreneurship
Previous Success Stories
The 2024 competition saw incredible ideas, including:
- 🥇 DermaMarker (Kazakhstan) – First Place Winner
- 🥈 Youth in Development (Pakistan) – Second Place
- 🥉 The MindMatters Initiative (Nigeria) – Third Place
- 🌟 YoungStar Award: TeensHelp.org (Romania)
- 🗳️ People’s Choice Award: eShaikh (India)
These examples highlight the diversity and creativity that the Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition continues to foster.
How to Apply
Be sure to register and submit your pitch before 11 July 2025 to be considered.
Final Thoughts
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 is more than a contest—it’s a global call to action for sustainable innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a vibrant international community of changemakers and amplify your entrepreneurial voice on a world stage.
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
