The Gap in Between is a global initiative powered by the Social Nest Foundation, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship as a key lever for driving social and environmental change. This platform serves as a bridge between impactful ideas and the resources required to turn them into sustainable ventures. By identifying and supporting purpose-driven startups, The Gap in Between cultivates innovation across crucial sectors such as climate resilience, social inclusion, and regenerative practices.
With a mission to empower changemakers at the grassroots level, the organization provides funding, mentorship, and access to influential networks that allow early-stage and growth-stage startups to scale their impact. The initiative brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and community leaders to reimagine a future that is just, inclusive, and regenerative.
Through a blend of strategic guidance, visibility, and community support, The Gap in Between works to connect high-potential startups with the allies and capital they need. It fosters a global dialogue around the future of cities, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic resilience, encouraging bold ideas that are capable of reshaping systems from the ground up.
The Startup Challenge 2025 welcomes applications from startups that are actively building solutions within one of the challenge’s thematic areas: urban innovation, regenerative environmental practices, and social resilience. Startups must be legally incorporated for at least one year to be eligible.
The competition is structured around two different categories—Early Stage and Growth Stage—to ensure equitable evaluation:
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Early Stage startups should have a launched MVP (Minimum Viable Product), basic market validation, and a business model that is in the consolidation phase.
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Growth Stage startups are expected to demonstrate significant market traction, an existing customer base, and a business model ready for expansion.
Additionally, startups must have a clearly defined social or environmental mission and demonstrate alignment with at least one of the focus areas, such as climate-resilient cities, rural empowerment, regenerative agriculture, ethical AI, or community-led innovation.
Preference is given to impact-driven ventures that show potential for scalability and sustainability. Both for-profit and hybrid models may apply, as long as they align with the core values of inclusion, regeneration, and community impact.
The challenge encourages applications from diverse regions, backgrounds, and teams, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurial excellence across borders.
Interested startups must prepare an application that outlines their business model, MVP validation, impact metrics, and alignment with one of the challenge’s thematic areas. Submissions should reflect the venture’s growth stage—either Early or Growth—and must be submitted through the official application process. Selected applicants will be invited to further stages including matchmaking, mentorship, and live pitch sessions during key global events.
