The 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion community and next-generation corporate venture partner xcube.co launched the Global Challenger Innovation Contest 2025 at the JUMPSTARTER 2025 event in Hong Kong SAR, China, building on the success of the 2024 competition. Now in its second year, the contest continues to empower visionaries to create tech-driven solutions that promote inclusion and drive social impact.

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10x1000 Tech for Inclusion and xcube.co jointly launched the Global Challenger Innovation Contest in Hong Kong SAR, China, at the JUMPSTARTER 2025 event.

The Global Challenger Innovation Contest was inaugurated in 2024 as a flagship project of 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion, a global initiative supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Ant International, to empower emerging tech leaders to create innovative solutions for financial inclusion and social impact. The inaugural Contest attracted submissions from around the world addressing critical global challenges, from education inclusion to sustainability. In 2025, the competition will focus on more grounded and actionable innovations that bring concrete transformations.

Key Themes for Submission

Participants are invited to submit innovative solutions in four key areas:

• Inclusive Digital Finance Services: Expanding access and enhancing financial autonomy for underserved businesses and individuals.
• Future of Work & Education: EdTech for workforce upskilling.
• Sustainability & Circular Economy: Innovating sustainable practices.
• Mental Health & Well-being: Tech-driven mental health solutions.

A Shared Mission of Impact

Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer of Ant International, said: “Building on the success of 2024, the Global Challenger 2025 continues to inspire innovators to create solutions that address global challenges. Together with xcube.co, we aim to empower more visionaries to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

Sebastien Picard, Founder and Group CEO of xcube.co, added: “At xcube.co, we believe deeply in the transformative power of corporate venturing and open innovation. By partnering with 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion, we aim to identify and support visionary changemakers who are dedicated to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. We look forward to seeing ideas that will significantly impact humanity.”

The mission of the 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion community is to nurture and inspire at least 1,000 tech leaders annually over the next decade. By the end of 2024, the program has partnered with over 50 institutions worldwide to connect over 7,000 individual talents from more than 110 countries and regions within the global digital community.

xcube.co is a new-generation corporate venture partner specializing in ideating, validating, launching and scaling corporate venture portfolios. With a mission to make a positive impact on humanity, the company supports corporations in mitigating risks associated with corporate venturing and open innovation initiatives.

How to Participate

Visit https://www.10x1000.org/globalchallenger to submit your ideas by April 26, 2025. Learn more about the themes, judging criteria, and how to gain mentorship and visibility through 10x1000’s extensive network.

The top submissions will receive mentorship, funding opportunities, and recognition for scaling their innovations. The 2025 grand finale is expected to culminate in a showcase event.

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