Call for Applications: Future Shapers Innovation Initiative 2026

As an Initiative Partner of the Future Shapers Innovation Initiative at GREENEXT Expo 2026, YPARD China is inviting youth-led projects from around the world to apply through its dedicated application channel.

The YPARD China channel will benefit from a full waiver of the project registration fee and the opportunity to showcase collectively through YPARD without paying for an individual exhibition booth.

About the Initiative

The Future Shapers Innovation Initiative is a global sustainability innovation programme launched by GREENEXT Expo. It seeks youth-led solutions with strong innovation, commercial potential, social impact and opportunities for real-world application.

The initiative is part of the inaugural Shanghai International ESG Week—China’s first ESG Week, guided by the Development and Reform Commission of Jing’an District.

GREENEXT Expo 2026, the core exhibition of the ESG Week, will take place on 29–30 October at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. The Expo is expected to attract approximately 10,000 visitors and bring together leading companies, investors, industry experts, sustainability practitioners, innovators and other relevant stakeholders.

Opportunities for Selected Projects

• Showcase their products, prototypes, research or innovative solutions at GREENEXT Expo 2026;
• Gain visibility among companies, investors, experts, professional audiences and potential partners;
• Participate in project pitches, workshops, thematic exchanges and industry discussions;
• Receive expert feedback and explore opportunities for collaboration, market development and wider application;
• Connect with industry partners, institutions, mentors, investors and other innovators;
• Explore potential international exposure and exchange opportunities.

Exclusive Benefits for Application through YPARD China

Projects apply through the YPARD China’s application form below (if you are using the official form provided by GREENEXT, you must enter “YPARD China” in Question 7, “How Did You Hear About This Initiative?”, so that the application can be identified under the YPARD China’s channel.) to access these specific benefits:

• Full waiver of the project registration fee;
• Collective showcasing in an exhibition area coordinated through YPARD, without the cost of an individual exhibition booth.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcome from:

• Start-ups established within the past five years;
• Early-stage teams that have not yet registered a company;
• University students, faculty members, researchers and innovation teams;
• Youth-led innovation teams within companies or organizations;
• Independent young entrepreneurs and innovators;
• NGOs and social innovation teams.

Projects may be at the concept, prototype, pilot or commercialization stage. Applications are not limited to agriculture, but projects should demonstrate a clearly defined application setting and meaningful sustainability value.

In-person participation is preferred. Where necessary, alternative arrangements for displaying products or project materials may be discussed with YPARD China.

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How to Apply?

Application Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/SRSWFrhWHu (The application form takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.)

Application deadline: 16 September 2026

For more information: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/_7ZGScjGkVXLIVmq2xuIxQ

Please share this opportunity with relevant youth innovators and project teams in your networks.

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