2026 UN Call for Innovations for the Sustainable Development Goals – Now Open

The 2026 UN Call for Innovations is now open, inviting young innovators and early-stage solution developers to submit breakthrough ideas that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Call encourages creativity, collaboration, and practical solutions that can accelerate sustainable development, particularly in low-resource settings.

Submission Deadline: 18 January 2026

Forum Dates: Wed 06 May 2026 — Thu 07 May 2026

This initiative is co-convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Youth Science-Policy Interface Platform of the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), in partnership with Engineering for Change, ASME Innovation Showcase (ISHOW), and other collaborators. Together, they aim to empower the next generation of changemakers working at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation.

 

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Focus of the 2026 Call

The 2026 Call aligns with the theme of the 11th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum):

“Transformative, equitable and coordinated science, technology and innovation for the 2030 Agenda and a sustainable future for all.”

Innovations should contribute to one or more of the following SDGs:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Young innovators from the Global South, as well as underrepresented groups, including women and Indigenous innovators, are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

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About the STI Forum

The selected innovations will be highlighted at the 11th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, which will take place:

• Dates: 6–7 May 2026
• Venue: United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA (Conference Room to be confirmed)
• Organized by: UN DESA and the UN Inter-agency Task Team on STI (UN IATT)

The Forum brings together policymakers, scientists, innovators, civil society, and the private sector to advance STI-driven solutions for the SDGs.

 

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Opportunities for Selected Innovators

Selected applicants will gain the opportunity to showcase their innovations to a global audience of policymakers, experts, and development partners. Subject to resource availability, opportunities may include:

• Visibility and recognition at the STI Forum
• Potential in-person participation at UN Headquarters in New York
• Participation in a virtual capacity-building program

The capacity-building program, if offered, will aim to strengthen innovators’ skills beyond technical development, including communicating impact, understanding pathways to implementation, and building competencies relevant to scaling and commercialization.

 

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Benefits of Participation

Participants in the Call for Innovations may benefit from:

• Global exposure to UN Member States, researchers, funders, and development organizations
• Networking opportunities with collaborators, investors, and policymakers
• Knowledge exchange, contributing ideas that support the final push toward achieving the SDGs by 2030

 

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How to Get Involved

There are several ways to engage with the 2026 UN Call for Innovations:

• Submit an innovation: Share ideas, solutions, or funded innovations that address SDG challenges
• Encourage participation: Motivate innovators within your networks to apply
• Spread the word: Amplify the call within your community to help surface impactful and scalable solutions

Applications must be submitted through the official online platform: UN STI Forum Call for Innovations

 

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Intellectual Property Disclaimer

If an innovation includes new and inventive features that may be patentable, applicants are advised to keep detailed technical descriptions confidential until a patent application has been filed.

For guidance on intellectual property protection, applicants may consult the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) resources on patents, trade secrets, and other forms of intellectual property.

 

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The 2026 UN Call for Innovations invites young innovators and early-stage solution developers to submit scalable, impactful solutions addressing SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17. Selected innovations may be showcased at the 11th STI Forum at the United Nations in May 2026 and may benefit from global exposure, networking, and capacity-building opportunities. The Call emphasizes inclusive participation, particularly from women, Indigenous innovators, and innovators from the Global South.

For more opportunities, click here.