WEF UpLink

UpLink

Innovation that matters

The World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation engine

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Partner-driven 

Innovative Solutions for Ukraine's Government

We're excited to support this challenge, run by the GovTech Lab Ukraine, which calls for innovators to co-create and pilot digital solutions with government institutions in Ukraine. Winners will gain market entry, with pilots sponsored up to $100,000, and contribute to Ukraine’s resilience. Submissions close on 16 November.

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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. 

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

What is UpLink

UpLink is the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation engine. Powered by cutting-edge technology and the Forum’s global networks, UpLink co-creates ecosystems that connect purpose-driven innovators with the partnerships, resources and capital they need to scale solutions for the markets and economies critical to a resilient, sustainable and prosperous world.

UpLink envisions a future where profit and purpose go hand in hand — where innovation drives competitiveness, inclusion and long-term value, where economic growth uplifts people while restoring the planet, and where resilience is the foundation of thriving, future-proof economies.

Why the world needs
early-stage innovation

Global systems including energy, food, water, cities and infrastructure are under increasing strain. Although many technologies needed for a net-zero future already exist, few reach commercial scale. 

Early-stage innovation can be a powerful driver of economic growth, job creation and resilience. When supported by strong ecosystems, these solutions unlock new markets, strengthen competitiveness and accelerate the transition to a sustainable and prosperous global economy.

How UpLink accelerates impact

Building ecosystems of collaboration

We build innovation ecosystems that connect early-stage entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to accelerate real-world impact.

Accelerating adoption of breakthrough solutions

We help early-stage solutions move from pilot to market by connecting entrepreneurs with pathways for commercial deployment and scale.

Shaping the innovation agenda

We amplify evidence-based insights and real-world examples that clarify where innovation matters most, building confidence in early-stage solutions that reshape systems and drive resilient economic growth.

UpLink in numbers

11

Thematic ecosystems with key stakeholders across the innovation spectrum

898

Ecosystem members including innovators, investors and partners

350+

Strategic connections facilitated through our Engagement Programme

$858 m

Total funding raised by the community of  UpLink Ventures in 2025 

Interested in collaborating?

Whether you are an entrepreneur with a breakthrough solution, an investor seeking high-impact opportunities or an organization supporting sustainable growth, UpLink connects you to a global innovation ecosystem driving real-world impact.

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