The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition is now open for applications, offering young innovators a prestigious global platform to present bold, transformative solutions. Most importantly, finalists will travel to Washington, D.C., to pitch at the headquarters of the World Bank Group.
Each year, this flagship competition highlights youth-led entrepreneurship as a driving force for job creation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. Therefore, if you are a young changemaker with a scalable idea, this opportunity could accelerate your impact on a global stage.
Application Deadline: March 11, 2026 – 11:59 PM (EST)
Why the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition Matters
First and foremost, the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition empowers young leaders to turn ideas into actionable solutions. Rather than limiting innovation to theory, the summit creates a direct pathway from concept to implementation.
In addition, the competition connects finalists with technical advisors, global experts, and investors. Consequently, participants gain practical feedback, visibility, and international credibility.
Furthermore, the Youth Summit promotes entrepreneurship that supports:
- Job creation
- Education and skills development
- Agricultural transformation
- Innovation in fragile and conflict-affected regions
Thematic Focus Areas
Although the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition welcomes ideas from all sectors, applicants should demonstrate how their solutions contribute to economic empowerment and development.
Projects may align with:
- Education and Skills
- Agriculture and Food Systems
- Job Creation and Entrepreneurship
- Technology and Innovation
- Financing Strategies
- Fragile and Conflict-Affected Contexts
Because development challenges are interconnected, cross-cutting approaches are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be nationals of member countries of the World Bank Group
- Apply individually or in teams of up to five members
- Present innovative, scalable, and impact-driven solutions
- Submit applications in English
By ensuring global participation, the competition strengthens diverse youth voices in shaping development solutions.
Benefits of the Competition
Selected finalists of the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition will receive:
- Professional pitching coaching
- Expert feedback from World Bank advisors
- Presentation opportunity at World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
- Tailored mentoring from International Finance Corporation (IFC) experts
- Potential travel support for one team representative
Not only does this opportunity provide funding exposure, but it also builds long-term mentorship relationships that can significantly shape entrepreneurial success.
How to Apply
To apply for the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 Pitch Competition, applicants must:
- Complete the official online application form
- Submit a pitch deck (using the provided template)
- Upload a video pitch
- Carefully review the FAQ document
Because submissions are evaluated carefully, applicants should ensure full compliance with all outlined requirements.
