JOIN US AT THE 2025 UPPRIZE LAUNCH EVENT!
This year's challenge introduces an innovative two-track structure designed to support social entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey
Designed for pre-incorporated or newly incorporated ventures, this track supports early-stage founders who are building from the ground up. Whether you're developing your MVP or just launching a new concept (including within an existing business or nonprofit), you're eligible if you've been in business less than a year and have raised under $500,000 across grants, equity, or debt. Ideal for teams with a developing social impact story—even if the full model is still taking shape.
Built for incorporated companies—whether for-profit or nonprofit—this track is for founders who are post-launch with a product already in the market. Eligible teams have been in business for over a year and raised more than $500,000 through grants, equity, or debt. Ideal for ventures with a proven social impact model, including measurable outcomes or a clear path to scaling their mission.
The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge returns for its eighth cycle. Administered by Innovation Works and fully funded by BNY, this program connects nonprofit and entrepreneurial communities to develop technology-based solutions for critical social challenges. This year features a new two-track structure to support social entrepreneurs at different stages of development. Join us in addressing societal issues through innovative solutions.
For 2025, The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge will focus on harnessing technology to tackle urgent challenges. From preserving the environment to ensuring healthcare affordability and promoting gender equality, we encourage innovation across multiple sectors. Join us in addressing issues like education accessibility, LGBTQ+ rights, disability inclusion, housing affordability, food security, clean energy, and civic engagement through cutting-edge solutions
Since its launch in 2015, The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge has allocated more than $ 3.4 million in investments, grants, and technical assistance. The 2025 cycle will continue the mission of supporting impactful technology that improves nonprofit service delivery and the lives and experiences of people in the region. UpPrize applications will be accepted until June 26th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Since its launch in 2015, the UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge has allocated more than $ 2.8 million in investments, grants, and technical assistance. The 2023 cycle will continue the mission of supporting impactful technology that improves nonprofit service delivery and the lives and experiences of people in the region. UpPrize applications will be accepted until July 10, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge was developed to bridge the gap between the nonprofit and entrepreneurial communities as well as to increase the number of impactful technology-based solutions targeted to address critical social challenges.
