D-Prize Challenge 2026/2027 for Social Entrepreneurs to fight Poverty

What is it

The D-Prize Global Competition is an international challenge designed to support entrepreneurs who want to fight extreme poverty by distributing proven solutions at scale. Rather than funding new inventions, D-Prize focuses on a simple but powerful idea: many effective solutions to poverty already exist; the real challenge is getting them to the people who need them most. Participants in the competition propose plans to launch new organizations that deliver these proven interventions. The goal is not just to help a small group of people, but to build something that can grow and eventually reach thousands or even millions. Winners of the competition receive up to $20,000 in startup funding to test their idea through a pilot project.

What the Competition Focuses On

D-Prize organizes its competition around key development areas where proven solutions already exist. These include:

• Global health

• Education

• Agriculture

• Energy

• Water and sanitation

• Livelihoods and financial inclusion

• Custom challenges

In all cases, the solution must already be evidence-based and tested.

Who Can Participate

New organizations only. Most awardees are first-time entrepreneurs who have not yet launched or raised outside funding.

• We especially encourage applicants from low- and middle-income countries.

• Orgs with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than $30,000 USD raised are typically not supported.

Existing organizations are considered only if your core focus is distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention.

What Judges Look For

D-Prize is highly selective, and judges focus on specific qualities in proposals. Strong applications typically demonstrate:

• Use of proven solutions

  • Ideas must be backed by research or real-world success

  • New inventions are generally not accepted

• A strong distribution model

  • Clear explanation of how the solution will reach underserved populations

  • Practical steps for overcoming barriers like cost, access, or awareness

• Scalability

  • Potential to grow from a small pilot to a large-scale impact

  • A large number of people who could benefit

• Cost-effectiveness

  • Low-cost solutions that can create a significant impact

• Measurable impact

  • Clear indicators of success

• Committed founders

  • Applicants who are ready to take action and dedicate time to launching the project