The Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2025

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About The Gap in Between Startup Challenge

The Startup Challenge of The Gap in Between is an international call designed to boost entrepreneurship as a driver of social and environmental transformation. They  seek to identify and showcase startups that are developing innovative solutions to today’s most urgent challenges. Through this challenge, they not only connect impact-driven entrepreneurs with resources, capital, and strategic allies but also place them at the center of a global conversation about the future they aim to build: fairer, more inclusive, regenerative,
and collaborative.

In 2025, the challenge focuses on three key innovation verticals:

Cities of Tomorrow

• Smart cities
• Urban planning
• Climate-resilient architecture
• Emergency-ready cities
• Bioconstruction
• Energy justice
• Energy transition
• Mobility and transport
• Digital infrastructure for sustainable cities
• Urban governance and citizenship
• Sustainable urban life
• Future housing

From Extraction to Regeneration

• Regenerative agriculture
• Composting
• Sustainable protein alternatives
• Rural empowerment
• Supply chains
• Reforestation
• Agroforestry
• AgTech
• Biodiversity
• Regenerative materials

Socio-Economic Resilience

• Ethical AI
• Impact investing
• Green funds
• Rural digitalization
• Digital literacy
• Inclusive design
• Mental wellbeing
• Community and neighborhood cohesion
• Art for social change
• Youth-led change
• Crisis-resilient infrastructures
• Social protection
• Cultural and religious harmony

The Startup Challenge is open to startups at two different maturity levels to ensure fair and tailored evaluation:

• Early Stage: Startups with a launched MVP, early validation metrics, and a business model in consolidation phase.
• Growth Stage: Startups with market traction, active customers, and a business model in expansion.

• Sponsor Organisation: Social Nest Foundation

Benefits of The Gap in Between Startup Challenge

For the 20 Early Stage semifinalists and 10 Growth Stage finalists:

• Personalized physical booths at the event
• Early Stage Winner: €5,000
• Growth Stage Winner: €10,000
• Access to a network of investors, mentors, and top-tier events (4YFN, South Summit, etc.)
• Matchmaking with key ecosystem players

The Gap in Between Startup Challenge Requirements

• Be legally incorporated for at least one year.
• Have a validated MVP and a sustainable business model.
• Fit within one of the Challenge’s thematic verticals.
• Generate positive social or environmental impact.

Application Date and Process

1) Early Stage
Application

• Startups must complete an online form providing key information about their solution, business model, team, and vision.

Evaluation and Initial Selection

• A panel of experts from Social Nest and ecosystem partners will assess the applications. Up to 20 Early Stage semifinalists will be selected. All of them will have a physical booth at the The Gap in Between event.

Acceleration Program

• These 20 semifinalists will participate in an intensive three-week online acceleration program (from September 10 to 26, 2025), including training sessions, tailored mentoring, and pitch development.

Mid-Stage Evaluation

• At the end of the program, deliverables and progress will be assessed. 10 finalists will be selected to pitch at The Gap in Between Startup Challenge and compete for the category prize.

Pitch Competition

• The 10 finalists will present their pitch to an expert jury during the event on October 21, 2025. One winner will be chosen and awarded a €5,000 prize.

2) Growth Stage

Application

• Startups must complete the same online form, detailing their proposal, traction metrics, business model, impact, and team.

Direct Selection

• The evaluation committee will select 10 finalists directly based on their level of development and alignment with the Challenge criteria.

Pitch Competition

• The 10 finalists will pitch their projects on October 21, 2025, competing for the €10,000 prize for Best Growth Stage Startup.

Apply Now

 

Application Deadline

14 July, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

View details of The Gap in Between Startup Challenge

Apply for The Gap in Between Startup Challenge