This UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge seeks to identify and support groundbreaking startups, scaleups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs who are driving change in three key areas: Community-based Tourism, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Green Projects.
The challenge invites innovative solutions that enhance the tourism ecosystem through sustainable practices, inclusivity, and community empowerment. By focusing on these three pillars, the challenge aims to support initiatives that not only create economic opportunities but also promote equality, sustainability, and the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources.
In 2025, the challenge focuses on innovation, digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. Participants will gain mentorship, global visibility, seed funding, and access to international networks of investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Selected finalists will be invited to pitch their solutions at the UN Tourism Tech Adventures and benefit from the UN Tourism Innovation Network, including potential access to finance, pilot projects, and global visibility.
Challenge Objectives
The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025 has the following objectives:
- Innovate:Â Support solutions that empower communities, enhance accessibility, and promote green tourism practices.
- Adopt:Â Encourage widespread adoption of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable tourism practices.
- Collaborate: Foster partnerships between governments, industries, entrepreneurs and civil society organizations to drive social innovation through global tourism transformation.
- Sustain:Â Promote long-term solutions that balance economic growth, environmental preservation, and social equity within the tourism sector.
- Scale:Â Identify and accelerate scale innovations with the potential for global impact in building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism industry
Targeted Startups and Scaleups
The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025 is highly competitive and targeting the following applicants:
- Entrepreneurs, startups, scaleups, tourism companies, and organizations that meet the following requirements can apply:
- Have an innovative and/or disruptive nature
- Offer sustainable and value-added solutions for the tourism sector
- Leverage new technologies and innovative solutions in community-based tourism, accessibility, and/or green projects
- Have potential for growth, scalability, and application
- Preferably have a minimum viable product (MVP) or project that is ready to be developed and funded; however projects in later stages of the idea phase will also be considered
- Have a structured business plan
- Contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Program Dates
- Jul. 30 Challenge Launch
- Dec. 08 Submissions Closed
- Dec. 2025 Selection Period
- Q1′ 2026 Final Pitch Event
Benefits of the UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge 2025
Winners and selected participants enjoy several benefits, both financial and non-financial, including:
- 6 Scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation for Hospitality Education Programmes at Les Roches Marbella Campus in Spain (more information and conditions, available in the Terms and Conditions below)
- Scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy
- Pitch at UN Tourism Demo DayÂ
- Access to 90+ Investors
- Access to Top Corporations in 160+ Countries
- Curated mentorship programmes
- Potential pilot project with private sector collaborators and institutions
 Benefits from Plug and Play:
- Registered profile on Playbook
- Invitation to participate in the Silicon Valley Summit
- Access to talent and synergies with Plug and Play’s portfolio
How to Apply
Interested participants into UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge should register online through the official link:
