Social Fiction Design Competition 2026: Win USD 10,000 by Imagining a Better World for Young People in 2050
Young writers, dreamers, storytellers, and changemakers from around the world are invited to participate in the Social Fiction Design Competition 2026, a global creative writing competition that challenges participants to imagine a better, fairer, and more sustainable world for young people in the year 2050.
Organized by Yunus Center and powered through YY Ventures, this international initiative encourages people everywhere to use the power of imagination and storytelling to envision solutions to today’s social and environmental challenges.
The competition is open globally with no age restrictions and no geographical limitations, making it one of the most inclusive international creative writing opportunities currently available.
Participants stand a chance to win a grand prize of USD 10,000 while contributing to conversations about the future of humanity, sustainability, innovation, and social transformation.
What is the Social Fiction Design Competition?
The Social Fiction Design Competition is an international writing competition focused on “Social Fiction” — a form of imaginative storytelling similar to science fiction, but centered on social innovation and human progress rather than futuristic technology alone.
The competition invites participants to imagine:
- What the world could look like in 2050
- How young people may live in the future
- How societies can overcome inequality and injustice
- What sustainable communities might become
- How governments, businesses, and communities can work together for positive change
The goal is to inspire new ways of thinking about social innovation and encourage people to imagine the world they truly want to build.
According to Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus:
“If we do not imagine, it will not be done. If we imagine, someday it will happen.”
This powerful idea forms the foundation of the competition.
What is Social Fiction?
Social Fiction is a storytelling approach that imagines a future society shaped by positive social transformation.
Unlike traditional science fiction, which often focuses heavily on futuristic machines or scientific advancement, Social Fiction focuses on:
- Human-centered innovation
- Social justice
- Sustainability
- Equality
- Community transformation
- Ethical development
- Inclusive economies
- Environmental healing
The concept encourages writers to creatively explore solutions to real-world problems and imagine societies where communities thrive.
The organizers believe that imagination can inspire real-world innovation and policy change.
Competition Theme: The Life of a Young Person in 2050
Participants are asked to imagine and describe:
“How do you wish to see the life of a young person in the year 2050?”
Writers are encouraged to take readers on a journey into a future world that is free from the social and environmental injustices affecting communities today.
The competition emphasizes optimism, innovation, and bold thinking.
Applicants should imagine a future where systems, institutions, and communities have evolved to create better opportunities and improved quality of life for younger generations.
Writing Requirements
Participants must submit an original Social Fiction piece between:
- Minimum: 1,000 words
- Maximum: 5,000 words
The writing should creatively explore a fictional world in 2050 while addressing one or more major social or environmental issues.
Suggested Focus Areas
Participants may choose to focus on one or several of the following areas:
- Climate Change
- Agriculture
- Technology and Innovation
- Micro-credit
- Transport
- Literature
- Music
- Waste Management
- Circular Economy
- Tourism
- WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
- Employment
- Sports
- Health and Well-being
- Community Development
- Sustainability
- Social Equity
The organizers encourage participants to think broadly and creatively about how these sectors could evolve positively by 2050.
What Should Your Story Include?
The competition encourages writers to explain how different stakeholders contribute to building a better future.
Stories may include the role of:
- Governments
- Educational institutions
- Corporate organizations
- Local businesses
- Community leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Youth movements
- Civil society organizations
Participants should demonstrate how collaboration and innovation help shape a more just and sustainable society.
Why This Competition Matters
The Social Fiction Design Competition is not just a writing contest. It is a platform for global imagination and social innovation.
At a time when the world faces challenges such as:
- Climate change
- Rising inequality
- Unemployment
- Environmental degradation
- Mental health concerns
- Economic instability
- Social exclusion
The competition seeks bold visions of hope and possibility.
It encourages people to move beyond criticism and begin imagining actionable futures worth building.
Prize Opportunity: Win USD 10,000
One of the major attractions of the competition is the opportunity to win:
USD 10,000
The prize recognizes outstanding creativity, originality, optimism, and social imagination.
Beyond financial rewards, participants gain international exposure and become part of a global conversation on innovation and sustainable futures.
Who Can Participate?
One of the strongest features of the Social Fiction Design Competition is its accessibility.
There are:
- No age restrictions
- No geographical limitations
This means anyone from anywhere in the world can participate.
Students, writers, professionals, activists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and aspiring storytellers are all encouraged to apply.
Can You Apply More Than Once?
According to the competition FAQ:
- Multiple applications are not permitted.
Applicants are encouraged to focus on submitting one strong and well-developed Social Fiction piece.
Is There an Application Fee?
The competition states that there is:
- No application fee
Participation is completely free.
Can Teams Apply?
The FAQ section indicates that applicants should review the application guidelines regarding team participation.
Participants are encouraged to verify current submission rules through the official competition platform.
Previous Winners and Finalists
The competition has already attracted talented participants from different countries around the world.
Previous Winner
- Amit Kumar Mishra – Nepal
Previous Finalists
- Neha Sabu – India
- Wan Faizal Mohd – Malaysia
- Anne Julienne Barcelona – United States
- Tyfur Rahman – Bangladesh
The diversity of past finalists demonstrates the truly international nature of the competition.
Why You Should Apply
Participating in the Social Fiction Design Competition can help writers and changemakers:
- Showcase creativity globally
- Build visibility as a thought leader
- Contribute to social innovation conversations
- Inspire real-world solutions
- Develop storytelling and writing skills
- Gain recognition for visionary ideas
- Connect imagination with impact
For young innovators, students, activists, and creative thinkers, this is a unique opportunity to influence future thinking through storytelling.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to:
- Write an original Social Fiction piece
- Ensure the submission falls within 1,000–5,000 words
- Complete the online application form
- Submit the story through the official competition platform
For inquiries:
- Email: info@yy.ventures
- WhatsApp: +880 1648-397420
For more information on this competition visit here
Discover more opportunities on OFY here
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