Hult Prize 2026 Opens Registration for Global Student Entrepreneurship Challenge
The Hult Prize, the world’s largest student-driven startup competition, has officially opened registration for its 2026 global edition, inviting university students worldwide to submit innovative and socially impactful business ideas.
The competition encourages teams to develop profit-driven projects that address global challenges and align with at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winners have the chance to receive $1 million in funding to launch their startup ventures. Participation is completely free.
Key deadlines include January 30, 2026 for initial submissions and February 28, 2026 as the final submission deadline at 11:59 PM GMT.
The Hult Prize competition runs over five stages:
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Qualifiers: University-level submissions from thousands of teams.
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Nationals: National competitions to select the top teams per country.
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Digital Incubator: Mentorship and guidance for product-market fit.
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Global Accelerator: One-month intensive workshops in London with experts and investors.
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Global Finals: Top teams pitch to an international jury for the $1 million prize.
The initiative not only provides funding but also offers training, mentorship, and networking opportunities with global entrepreneurs and investors, enhancing students’ ability to launch startups with real economic and social impact.
The Hult Prize, often called the “Nobel Prize for Students”, attracts participants from over 120 countries, fostering a global culture of innovation and social entrepreneurship.
