As part of the Future Lab Project, implemented by Habitat Association in partnership with Youth Business International (YBI) and with the financial support of the Standard Chartered Foundation, we are organizing the Future Lab Ideathon.
The Ideathon is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses developing innovative solutions in the areas of social impact, inclusion, and sustainability. Participants will have the opportunity to expand their professional networks, receive mentorship and training, and compete for cash awards.
Application Themes
The Future Lab Ideathon is open to businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs working in the fields of inclusion and/or sustainability. Applications may address one or more of the following themes:
- Circular Economy
- Carbon Emissions
- Climate
- Productivity
- Environment
- Energy
- Sustainable Consumption
- Gender Equality
- Support for Disadvantaged Groups
- Accessibility
- Reducing Inequalities
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Applications may be submitted either individually or as a team.
- Applicants may apply either as a registered legal entity or as a venture in the process of incorporation.
- Teams may consist of a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 members.
- Cash awards for registered legal entities will be transferred to the bank account specified by the recipient.
- Awards granted to legal entities are intended solely to support business development activities.
- Award-winning legal entities must specify how the funds will be used and submit a proforma invoice for the planned business development expenditure to Habitat Association before utilizing the award.
- The Ideathon will be held in person as a residential event.
- Transportation and accommodation expenses for selected participants will be covered by the project.
- By submitting an application, all applicants and team members acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions.
- The top three teams will qualify for the three-month Future Lab Accelerator Program. Upon successful completion of the accelerator, three selected ventures will each receive a USD 5,000 business development award.
- Awards are denominated in U.S. dollars. Payments will be made in Turkish Lira (TRY) based on the official exchange rate announced by the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye on the payment date.
About the Future Lab Ideathon
Following the evaluation of applications, selected teams will participate in the Future Lab Ideathon, which will take place in person from 11–13 September 2026.
The highest-performing teams from the Ideathon will be admitted to the three-month Future Lab Accelerator Program, where they will receive tailored mentorship, training, and business development support.
At the conclusion of the accelerator, participating ventures will present their businesses during the Demo Day. Based on their overall performance, three ventures will each be awarded USD 5,000, for a total prize pool of USD 15,000.
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026, 23:59 (TRT)
