UN Tourism has launched the Social Innovation Challenge, a global call to empower and accelerate startups and scaleups that implement sustainable, inclusive, and green solutions for social Impact. The initiative is powered by strategic partners: Plug and Play as the technology partner, the Sommet Education Foundation as the education partner, the non-for-profit entity from world leader in Hospitality Education with its prestigious education institutions – Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Invictus Education and Indian School of Hospitality, and TORNUS Agency as the branding and communications partner.
What is the Challenge Looking For?
The Social Innovation Challenge seeks bold, tech-driven and people-centered solutions across three categories:
- Category 1: Community-based Tourism
Empower communities by involving them in tourism value chains, cultural preservation, and local entrepreneurship. - Category 2: Inclusivity & Accessibility
Enhance travel for people with disabilities, seniors, and those with specific access needs through universal design and inclusive services. - Category 3: Green Projects
Promote technologies and practices that reduce the environmental impact of tourism, support circular economy models, and help manage mass tourism through smart solutions.
Innovation is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people, preserving our planet, and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for global tourism. Globally, social enterprises contribute over 5% of GDP in many countries and employ millions, with a significant focus on tackling inequality, environmental sustainability, and community development. This challenge is a call to action for solutions that place social innovation and equality at the heart of tourism. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism
At Sommet Education Foundation, we are committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers through access to world-class hospitality education. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge, we aim to not only foster inclusive and sustainable tourism—but also to provide the skills and knowledge needed to shape bold ideas into innovative products and services. These scholarships will enable individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter prestigious institutions like Les Roches, equipping them with the tools to drive meaningful social impact. Education is the engine of transformation, and through this initiative, we are nurturing talent that will lead tourism into a more resilient, equitable, and regenerative future. Anouck Weiss, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Sommet Education Foundation
Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, adds: Tourism has the power to transform societies, elevate communities, and inspire global progress when anchored in inclusivity and sustainability. At Les Roches, we believe education is the spark that turns ideas into movements and equips hospitality leaders to shape the future. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge alongside UN Tourism and the Sommet Education Foundation, we are helping accelerate solutions that can deliver real impact for communities and the planet.
The call is open to entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups with a disruptive approach in the tourism sector, offering solutions that have at least a minimum viable product (MVP) or are ready for implementation.
Applications will close 30 November 2025.
Selected finalists will gain access to a wide range of strategic benefits, including up to 6 full scholarships financed by Sommet Education Foundation in for higher education programs from 9 to 12 months in hospitality education and international hotel management delivered at Les Roches Global Hospitality education institution at the Marbella Campus in Spain the opportunity to pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day, and connection to a global network of 90+ investors and leading tourism corporations in over 160 countries. Finalists will also receive personalized mentorship through the UN Tourism Innovation Network, enjoy exclusive Plug and Play benefits such as access to the Silicon Valley Summit, and benefit from scholarships offered by the UN Tourism Online Academy.
About Sommet Education Foundation
The Sommet Education Foundation empowers underrepresented talent through access to world-class hospitality education and career opportunities. By providing scholarships and promoting inclusive industry initiatives, the Foundation helps shape a more diverse and equitable future for hospitality. Backed by Sommet Education’s global network of schools and partners, it supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds and champions the social impact of hospitality through training, mentorship, and employment pathways.
About UN Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), a United Nations specialised agency, is the leading international organisation with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 166 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members from the private sector.
Media enquires: [email protected]
UN Tourism Communications Department
+34 91 567 8100
UN Tourism
