The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025 represents a worldwide initiative designed to discover and nurture revolutionary startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurs who are creating transformative impact across three critical domains:
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Community-based Tourism
Inclusivity & Accessibility, and
Green Projects
This initiative welcomes innovative approaches that strengthen the tourism landscape by implementing sustainable methodologies, promoting inclusiveness, and enabling community empowerment.
Through concentration on these three fundamental areas, the program strives to back ventures that generate not only economic prospects but also advance equality, environmental responsibility, and the conservation of cultural traditions and natural environments.
Chosen finalists will receive invitations to present their concepts at the UN Tourism Tech Adventures and gain access to the UN Tourism Innovation Network, which may include opportunities for funding, pilot initiatives, and international recognition.
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Application Requirements
Organisations eligible to participate include startups, scaleups, innovative micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tourism businesses, and institutions that fulfil these criteria:
- Demonstrate innovative and/or disruptive characteristics.
- Provide sustainable and value-enhancing solutions for the tourism industry.
- Utilise emerging technologies and innovative approaches in community-based tourism, accessibility, and/or environmental projects.
- Show potential for expansion, scalability, and practical implementation.
- Ideally, possess a minimum viable product (MVP). Nevertheless, initiatives that are prepared for development and in advanced conceptual phases will also receive consideration.
- Maintain a well-organised business strategy.
- Support the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Program Advantages
- 6 Scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation for Hospitality Education Programs at Les Roches Marbella Campus in Spain.
- Pitch at UN Tourism Demo Day.
- Access to 90+ Investors.
- Access to Top Corporations in 160+ Countries.
- Curated mentorship programs.
- Potential pilot project with private sector collaborators and institutions.
- Plug and Play benefits:
- Registered profile on Playbook.
- Invitation to participate in the Silicon Valley Summit.
- Access to talent and synergies with Plug and Play’s portfolio.
- Scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy.
Applications must be submitted by December 5, 2025. Click HEREÂ to apply.
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