Active Play Challenge 2026: Win Up to USD $100,000 to Create Innovative Active Play Opportunities for Children and Young People Worldwide

What Active Play Challenge is looking for?

New ideas or proven approaches on how to create opportunities for active play in the everyday lives of children and young people aged 0-25. Choose the category that best describes your work:

1. Play by Design: Spatial and physical interventions that integrate everyday active play into the design of homes, streets, schools, buildings, or public spaces.
2. Play in Action: Activities and services that embed active play into daily routines and existing spaces.
3. Play for early years: Design solutions, activities, or services that promote active play for children aged 0–5, their parents and caregivers, supporting healthy early development. This category is supported by the Van Leer Foundation.

Within these categories, we encourage applicants to explore how their proposals can expand opportunities for active play as part of children’s everyday lives. Proposals may consider how play can be integrated into daily journeys, such as walking, cycling, or commuting, or how it can support learning, creativity, and collaboration across formal and informal educational and leisure settings.

Who can apply?

Legally registered organisations worldwide. We strongly encourage organisations, led by young people aged 18 to 25 to apply. Applicants must be able to receive and manage funding in accordance with applicable laws and comply with all relevant local regulations.

How to apply?

1. Visit https://zealous.co/novonordisk1/opportunity/active-play-challenge/ and Click the Apply button on the right to create your account
2. Read the guidance documents for detailed information about the Challenge and what to include in your application
3. follow the steps to submit your application
4. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted

Q&A Active Play Challenge Webinars

Use the links below to enter the call at the preferred time.

1. Webinar Session 1/2 (UTC+1 08:00 to 09:00)
2. Webinar Session 2/2 (UTC+1 16:30 to 17:30)

Rewards

Shortlisted finalists will receive:

1. Online Active Play Masterclasses
2. Visibility and recognition
3. Certificate of participation

In addition to the above, winners will also receive:

1. Funding (USD 50,000 – 100,000) each for implementation
2. Expert technical guidance and support throughout the implementation period
3. “Play Masterclass Week” in Barcelona