Nestlé, in partnership with Ashoka, is accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Creating Shared Value Prize. Specifically, this corporate venture challenge helps sustainability startups scale their impact through massive equity-free capital. Consequently, selected innovators work directly with Nestlé executives to deploy circular economy and regenerative agriculture solutions.
Program Overview This is a corporate sustainability and venture scaling program. Therefore, it is ideal for green-tech founders who need supply chain integration and funding to serve global ecological systems. By joining, you get access to a CHF 250,000 cash prize and the Ashoka changemaker network.
Key Benefits Participants receive high-value financial and commercial support. Specifically, the benefits include:
- Funding: A share of a massive CHF 250,000 cash prize pool to scale operations.
- Mentorship: Six months of dedicated scaling support from Nestlé business leaders and Ashoka experts.
- Visibility: Global PR exposure and the potential to become a direct supplier for Nestlé.
Eligibility Criteria To qualify, an applicant must be a social entrepreneur or green-tech founder. Crucially, you must have a market-ready solution that addresses climate change, packaging, or water management.
- Stage: Must have a proven business model that has generated revenue or significant traction.
- Impact: Must demonstrate clear, measurable environmental and social benefits.
- Structure: Open to for-profit, non-profit, or hybrid registered organizations globally.
Application Process
- Deadline: June 5, 2026.
- Submission: Apply via the Ashoka Changemakers online portal.
- Requirements: Business pitch deck, environmental impact metrics, and financial projections.
