At EF Hult Prize, we challenge university students worldwide to create a for-profit social venture that delivers measurable, positive impact on people and/or the planet, while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the 2030 deadline.
If you’re preparing to join the competition, here’s a clear breakdown of what that really means — and what we’re looking for in your startup.
1. Start local. Think global.
Your venture can begin by solving a local problem but it should have the potential for global implications.
The population you serve might be small at first. That’s okay. What matters is whether your model has the potential to eventually impact thousands or millions of people.
You’re free to:
- Focus on a specific industry
- Create something that defies easy categorization
- Bring a proven solution from elsewhere into your own community
- Tackle a challenge aligned with your expertise — or one that requires research
We encourage a human-centered design approach: build solutions that make sense for the people you aim to serve.
There is no single “correct” problem to solve. The world has unlimited challenges and we expect to see an unlimited range of solutions.
2. “People and/or the Planet” — What that really means
The wording “and/or” is intentional.
Your startup can focus on:
- Human impact
- Environmental impact
- Or both
All three approaches are valid — as long as your solution does not harm the other dimension.
You are free to choose which SDG(s) to address. While tackling multiple goals can be impressive, judges do notprioritize startups simply for targeting more goals. What truly matters is the depth and quality of impact within the SDG(s) you choose.
A Strong Example
A startup aligned with Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) might create affordable housing using recycled materials and renewable energy. This addresses both human housing needs and environmental concerns in a cohesive way.
A Cautionary Example
A startup focused on improving employment conditions in fast fashion (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) may improve worker conditions — but if it reinforces environmentally harmful production practices, it risks undermining planetary impact.
We encourage teams to think holistically. Impact must be responsible and balanced.
3. Why the 2030 deadline matters
The United Nations has set 2030 as the target year to achieve the SDGs. That deadline is fast approaching.
This creates urgency.
We’re not just looking for ventures with impact — we’re looking for ventures that can:
- Scale meaningfully
- Move quickly
- Accelerate progress toward the SDGs
Judges will consider not only the magnitude of impact, but also the speed at which your solution can make a difference.
4. All industries. All stages. Equal opportunity.
Diversity is part of the EF Hult Prize DNA.
Many participants begin with nothing more than an idea — and that’s completely fine. We encourage students to develop their ideas after registering for the competition.
At the same time, more advanced startups that have already entered the market are also welcome.
Judges are expected to:
- Approach each venture with an open mind
- Avoid bias based on industry
- Avoid bias based on stage of development
Whether you present a concept-stage idea or a more mature business, the emphasis remains the same:
The potential for meaningful impact — and the strength of the entrepreneurs behind it.
Final Thought
In the early stages of the competition, we’re looking for ventures grounded in solid business fundamentals and led by the right founders — people capable of turning ideas into real, scalable impact.
If you’re ready to build something that matters, this is where it begins.