About the Award
The rates of global unemployment, the catastrophic effects of climate change, and the challenges of globalisation all pose significant problems. The skills of young entrepreneurs, equipped with rapid technological advancements, are overcoming these barriers around the world.
At the heart of every start-up or enterprise is the drive to solve the problem. One Young World believes that the next generation of young entrepreneurs are here to do more than create the next convenient solution - they are here to take on the world’s major challenges.
One Young World’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award was created in 2019 to identify and promote the world’s most revolutionary entrepreneurs under 35 who are having a positive global impact and inspiring others with their leadership.
We are delighted to launch our annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award again for 2026.
Applications and nominations for the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Award are now closed.
Meet the 2026 winners
The One Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognises three of the world's most promising entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. The award highlights the work of innovative young business leaders whose enterprises are shaping the world around them and inspiring others to launch their own ventures.
These 3 young entrepreneurs have all been selected as winners because of the tremendous impact of their business ventures and how they are inspiring others with their leadership.
The winners were selected from a shortlist by One Young World’s expert judging panel.
Chong Ing Kai
Founder and CEO of Stick 'Em
Chong Ing Kai
Founder and CEO of Stick 'Em
Nthabiseng Mosia
Co-founder of Easy Solar
Nthabiseng Mosia
Co-founder of Easy Solar
Gobinath Pandurangan
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Modulus Housing
Gobinath Pandurangan
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Modulus Housing
Meet the Judges
This expert judging panel has been invited by One Young World to choose three exceptional winners who are overcoming barriers and taking on major global challenges that the world faces today.
Luis Javier Castro
Co-founder of The Abundance Circle
Luis Javier Castro
Co-founder of The Abundance Circle
Vimbai Masiyiwa
Entrepreneur, thought leader and Founder of Batoka Africa
Vimbai Masiyiwa
Entrepreneur, thought leader and Founder of Batoka Africa
Jeanette Marais
CEO of Momentum Group
Jeanette Marais
CEO of Momentum Group
Trisha Prabhu
Founder and CEO of ReThink Citizens
Trisha Prabhu
Founder and CEO of ReThink Citizens
Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph
Founder of Kippa
Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph
Founder of Kippa
Elio Leoni Sceti
Co-Founder, The Craftory
Elio Leoni Sceti
Co-Founder, The Craftory
Previous Winners
2025 Winners
2024 Winners
2019 Winners
Catherine Mahugu
Catherine Mahugu
Elissa Freiha
Elissa Freiha
Kathyrn Minshew
Kathyrn Minshew
Severin Hacker
Severin Hacker
Srikanth Bolla
Srikanth Bolla