Last chance for impact-driven startups to apply to The Gap in Between Startup Challenge

• In October, Social Nest Foundation will award up to €10,000 to the most innovative, purpose-led solutions at “The Gap in Between” in Valencia
• Deadline extended: startups now have until 21 July to submit their applications

Valencia, 18 July 2025 – Social Nest Foundation, a global platform that promotes solutions to social and environmental challenges, has extended the deadline to 21 July for startups worldwide to enter the Startup Challenge at The Gap in Between. This international call seeks to connect impact projects with capital, networks and strategic partners to scale their effect.

The Startup Challenge will take place as part of The Gap in Between, an international gathering organised by Social Nest Foundation on 21 October 2025 at La Marina de Valencia, under the theme Future Forward Business. The event brings together companies, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs with the aim of fostering partnerships through a robust programme of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions and networking opportunities to drive innovations addressing the most pressing environmental and social challenges.

Startups that are legally constituted, with a sustainable business model and a validated MVP, can present their projects to investors and experts to gain exposure and real opportunities. The call is structured around three innovation themes:

• Cities of tomorrow: smart and resilient cities, sustainable mobility, energy transition, urban governance, future housing.
• From Extraction to Regeneration: regenerative agriculture, bioconstruction, reforestation, sustainable materials, rural empowerment, AgTech, biodiversity.
• Socio-Economic Resilience: ethical AI, impact investing, mental wellbeing, community cohesion, digital literacy, resilient infrastructure, youth-led change, financial inclusion.

Each theme welcomes environmental and social impact projects capable of generating sustainable business models. The call is open in two categories:

• Early stage: startups with an MVP and initial metrics, competing for €5,000.
• Growth stage: projects with traction and scalability, competing for €10,000.

Ten finalists will be selected from each category to receive a dedicated space at the event, media visibility, networking sessions, access to mentors, investor connections and participation in international forums.

In the 2024 edition, 20 startups reached the finals of the Startup Challenge, including BettaFish — global winner of the €10,000 prize. This regenerative marine agriculture startup has secured new partnerships and gained international exposure following its win. Moreover, past winners have raised more than €2 million in funding.

The Gap in Between will also feature confirmed speakers and leading figures such as:

• Laura Durán (IKEA Spain)
• Fernando Valladares (CSIC)
• Javier Peña (founder of Hope!)
• Arturo Benito (CEO, Impact Bridge)
• Carolina Pacheco (Notpla)
• Cynthia Reynolds (Circular Economy Coalition)
• Erik Brunn (Merika)
• Franco Bianchini (Fondazione Fitzcarraldo ETS)
• Jorge Blasco (LUMO Labs)
• Nela Grau (Sekind)
• Santi Mallorquí (Organic Cotton Color)
• Ugo Biggeri (European Representative, Global Alliance for Banking on Values)

All ticket sales revenue will be donated to recovery projects following the DANA flood, in collaboration with Fundación Felisa.

Information about The Gap in Between here

Information and guidelines for the Startup Challenge here

About Social Nest Foundation
Founded in 2010, Social Nest Foundation is a global platform that provides entrepreneurial individuals and impact investors with the essential resources to support and scale new solutions addressing humanity’s most urgent challenges. Currently, the foundation’s network comprises 670 startups, 800 investors, and 80 companies, and it leads programmes and activities that have engaged over 16,000 participants— all with the aim of paving the way for positive social and environmental impact. For more information, visit: https://socialnest.org/es/