Innovation Challenges

Discovering breakthrough solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges

Overview

UpLink Innovation Challenges are global competitions designed to source high-impact, early-stage innovations addressing critical challenges across key systems and industries. They are designed in collaboration with a network of visionary partners committed to resilient and sustainable economic growth and anchored in the work of World Economic Forum’s public-private initiatives. 

New

UpLink Innovation Challenge Series
- Spring 2026

The UpLink Innovation Challenge Series – Spring 2026 brought together multiple challenges across priority systems and industries, addressing specific problem statements with clear pathways for adoption and scale.

It called for early-stage ventures that deliver measurable impact alongside clear business value, strengthen resilience and drive long-term system transformation. Selected ventures will gain access to a global ecosystem of partners, investors and industry leaders, unlocking new pathways to scale. 

The Spring Series is now closed and and we are progressively announcing the winners of each Challenge.

Previous Innovation Challenges

Challenges spanning thematic systems, industries and place-based ecosystems, with the support of funding partners and in collaboration with World Economic Forum initiatives. These challenges addressed specific problem statements, enabling the discovery and acceleration of high-impact solutions aligned with real-world needs. 

Accredited Innovation Challenges

Designed and delivered by organizations leveraging UpLink’s proven methodology and suite of tools, these challenges source innovative solutions aligned with their strategic priorities.

Innovative Solutions for Ukraine's Government
Aramco LAB7 challenge
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