2026 Social Catalyst Invitational

Empower

2026 Social Catalyst Invitational

Got a burning idea to make the world a better place? The Social Catalyst Invitational is here to ignite it! This competition is proudly supported by Catalytic Youth, an organization committed to empowering the next wave of innovators and problem-solvers.

We’re convinced that students like you, no matter where you are on the globe, possess an incredible, untapped power to shape our collective future. This Invitational is carefully designed to help unleash that very power.

We’re inviting you to dive deep into the social challenges that truly resonate with you – the ones you feel are most vital for pushing humanity forward and building a more equitable, peaceful world for everyone.

This year, we have decided on the bold theme: “Why Now?”

What does that question unlock for you? We’re eager to find out! Don’t hold back. Your unique perspectives are not just valuable; they’re essential. We genuinely can’t wait to see the incredible visions you bring to the table.

Essay

Ready to Share Your Vision? Choose Your Path:

Essay

Have a compelling story to tell, a persuasive argument to play, or a creative narrative to enthrall others? This is your canvas. Give us your authentic voice and original thought.

Art

Express your thoughts and feelings through diverse forms of art, including drawings and paintings, digital art and animation, film, and performing arts.

Art

Ideas

Ideas

Do you have a vision for a pressing social issue? Propose your innovative concepts or solutions. Show us how your idea would make a tangible difference.

Eligibility

The Social Catalyst Invitational welcomes every student, whether you’re in primary, middle, or high school, or currently undertaking a university degree. You can enter as individuals or teams. This competition is truly international – we warmly welcome students from anywhere in the world! There’s no fee to enter our competition.

Awards

We’ll recognize your excellence with awards for each category by group (primary students, middle and high school students, university students as well as individuals and teams).

Every submission reflects the student’s passion and commitment to positive societal change, so in recognition, we will honor all participants with a “Distinguished Honor” certificate as our heartfelt acknowledgment of your efforts and contributions.

Awards

1st Prize
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
Visionary Pioneer Award
Transformative Force Award
Sustainable Impact Award

These awards are all about celebrating your incredible talent and dedication. They are honorary distinctions and do not come with any cash prizes. All awards will be sent digitally by email to all winners.

Judging

We will evaluate your submissions based on your idea, its originality, and how powerfully and convincingly you present it.
We will be committed to fairness and integrity in our judging, and all decisions are final.
We’ll announce all our winners in September 2026.
By participating, you agree that your submissions might be used by us for promotional purposes.

Ready to Ignite Change? Apply!

The submission deadline is August 30, 2026.
There’s no fee to enter our competition.
Please send your submission only by email (we will not accept physical submissions) to admin@ socialcatalystinvitational.org.
Your email should include your full legal name, your city/country, your school name, and your current grade (for team entries. Please provide this information for all team members). You should attach your submission material to the email.

admin@socialcatalystinvitational.org