The Standard Chartered Foundation Youth Impact Competition

NEW COMPETITION

The Standard Chartered Foundation Youth Impact Competition

Deadline: Sunday, April 19, 2026 11:59pm ET

The Zahn Innovation Center is seeking CUNY affiliated startups who are making a significant impact amongst youth within the education, workforce development and health industries, to apply for the Standard Chartered Foundation Youth Impact Competition.

As defined by the United Nations, youth is ages 15-24. It is important for young people, particularly those who are marginalized, girls, women, and people with disabilities, to be recognized as valued contributing community members. Businesses and organizations that enable youths access to education and employment, and support their health and wellbeing are essential. This prize recognizes startups whose efforts support youth in these areas.

CUNY affiliated startups less than 5 years old (established between 2021-2025), leveraging tech within either education, workforce development or health industries, and include youth as their target market segment(s) are eligible. They can provide documented prototype or product testing results with users in this segment, and have planned activities that will impact youth segments within the next 6-12 months.

Prizes: first place prize $4,000, second place prize $3,500, and third place prize $1,500

Timing:

• Round 1
  • Application closes: Sunday, April 19, 2026 11:59pm
  • Finalists from Round 1 announced: Monday, April 27, 2026
• Round 2
  • Finalist pitch decks due: Monday, May 4, 2026 (8am)
  • Pitch Night: Thursday, May 7, 2026 

Application: (Deadline: Sunday, April 19, 2026 11:59pm ET)

• Startup Name
• Point of Contact's Name and Email
• Startup Members
  • Name
  • Title
  • CUNY Affiliation
• Startup launch date
• One liner
• Logo
• Incubator/Accelerator Programs Completed (if any)
• Impact category (education, workforce development, health)
• Pitch deck (10 page maximum) to address the following topics:
  • Team
  • Problem
  • Solution
  • Target market
  • Test plan
  • Testing results
  • Learnings
  • Traction to date
  • Financial projections (3 years)
  • Strategic plan (1 year)
  • Appendix (raw testing data, any other supporting documentation)
• Video Pitch
  • Length: 
    • 3 minutes (maximum)
  • Format & Quality: 
    • landscape mode
    • unlisted YouTube video
  • Content: 
    • feature the founders
    • screen share of presentation slides
    • props (e.g., prototype) can be used

You can preview the application questions here.

Rubric:
You can review the judging rubric here.

The Standard Chartered Foundation Youth Impact Prize is made possible by the generous support of Standard Chartered.