GREENEXT Expo 2026 Future Shapers Innovation Initiative Officially Launches!
Calling Young Innovators Who Are Shaping a More Sustainable Future
From climate change and resource circularity to biodiversity conservation, social inclusion and responsible technology, the world is facing increasingly complex sustainability challenges. Young people are emerging as one of the most powerful forces driving innovation for a more sustainable future.
As a special initiative of Shanghai International ESG Week, GREENEXT Expo 2026 is officially launching the Future Shapers Innovation Initiative — a global call for young innovators, start-ups, university teams, social organizations and youth-led innovation projects within companies and institutions.
We are looking for sustainability solutions with strong innovation, commercial potential and social impact. Our goal is simple: to help more youth-led innovations gain visibility, build meaningful connections, receive validation and feedback, and ultimately move from ideas into real-world applications.
What Is the Future Shapers Innovation Initiative?
The Future Shapers Innovation Initiative is a global sustainability innovation program launched by GREENEXT Expo. The initiative focuses on real-world environmental and social challenges, seeking innovative solutions with strong potential for practical application.
Selected projects will have opportunities to showcase their solutions, pitch to professional audiences, receive expert feedback, connect with industry partners, and explore international exchange opportunities. Through these opportunities, the initiative aims to help early-stage ideas accelerate their development and support innovations with commercial potential in moving toward the market and broader social application.
What Will Selected Projects Receive?
✨ 01 | Showcase & Communications Opportunities
Selected projects will have the opportunity to be showcased at GREENEXT Expo 2026, either across relevant thematic exhibition zones or in the Youth Innovation Corner.
Selected teams will also receive promotional support through GREENEXT Expo's official media and social media channels.
Make your innovation visible to companies, investors, experts, professional audiences, and potential partners.
🎤 02 | Pitching & Exchange Opportunities
Selected projects may participate in:
Project pitching sessions
Workshops
Thematic exchange sessions
Industry and expert discussions
Connect directly with industry professionals, corporate representatives, experts, and other innovators — and gain valuable feedback for your project.
🤝 03 | Partnership & Matchmaking Opportunities
Innovation needs the right partners to move forward.
Selected teams will have opportunities to connect with:
Companies and industry partners
Organizations and institutions
Expert mentors
Investors
Potential business and project partners
Turn innovative ideas into meaningful connections — and explore pathways toward real-world application.
🌍 04 | International Exchange Opportunities
Outstanding projects may have opportunities for international exposure and exchange, including potential recommendations to global sustainability innovation platforms such as ChangeNOW 2027, subject to final arrangements and confirmation.
*Notes:
Thematic Zone Showcase: Selected projects will be integrated into relevant thematic zones across GREENEXT Expo, with opportunities to use shared display fixtures and/or innovation poster walls, and to participate in open-space project pitching sessions. The specific showcase format and pitching schedule are subject to the final program arrangements. Project Registration Fee: RMB 500 per project. The organizer will charge no additional participation fees.
Youth Innovation Corner Showcase: Selected projects will be showcased collectively in the Youth Innovation Corner, with basic display fixtures and/or poster presentation formats provided. Projects may also have opportunities to participate in dedicated-space project pitching sessions, thematic workshops or forums. The specific participation format and event schedule are subject to the final program arrangements. Project Registration Fee: Waived. The organizer will charge no additional participation fees.
Two-Track Open Call
To provide more targeted support for projects across different areas of sustainability, the Future Shapers Innovation Initiative features two application tracks. Applicants will submit applications through a single application portal, and the Review Panel will match each project to the most relevant track based primarily on the information submitted.
⭐ Green Spark Industry Hub
Green Transition × Industry × Real-World Applications
The Green Spark Industry Hub focuses on green transition and sustainable industry innovation, with particular emphasis on connecting innovative solutions with industries, markets, and real-world application settings.
Key Areas Include:
Climate & Low-Carbon Transition
Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
Urban & Industrial Applications
Sustainable Consumption & Lifestyles
Nature-Based Solutions
Green Technology & Industrial Applications
🌱 SDG Start-up Hub
SDGs × Society × Public Value
The SDG Start-up Hub focuses on innovation related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on social, cultural and public value.
Key Areas Include:
Education & Youth Capacity-Building
Cultural & Natural Heritage Conservation
Biodiversity & Nature Conservation
Community Development & Social Innovation
Health, Well-Being & Inclusive Development
AI Ethics & Responsible Innovation
Are You the Innovator We're Looking For?
We welcome applications from:
Start-ups established within the past five years
Early-stage teams that have not yet registered a company
University students, faculty members, researchers, and innovation teams
In-house innovation teams within companies or organizations
Independent young entrepreneurs and innovators
NGOs and social innovation teams
Your project can be at the concept, prototype, pilot, or commercialization stage. As long as it has a clearly defined application setting and meaningful sustainability value, we want to hear from you.
Program Timeline
📅Now: Call for Projects & Applications
📅 11 September 2026: Applications Closed
📅25 September 2026: Project Review & Selection
📅30 September 2026: Selection Confirmation
📅By 14 October 2026: Expo Preparation
📅29–30 October 2026: GREENEXT Expo Showcase at Shanghai Exhibition Centre
Your Idea Could Be the Next Solution.
The Future Shapers Innovation Initiative is now open for global applications.
📍 Scan the QR code on the poster to apply
📅 Application Deadline: 11 September 2026
Young people are not only the creators of tomorrow — they are already creating change today. Let's turn innovation into action — and action into the future.
