Terms and Conditions Startup Challenge
The Gap in Between 2025
By Social Nest Foundation
1. Introduction
Social Nest Foundation (hereinafter, “Social Nest”) is a non-profit organization that promotes social and environmental impact entrepreneurship. Through the event The Gap in Between, we aim to mobilize talent, capital, and innovation to tackle the most pressing challenges of our society. As part of this initiative, we are launching a new edition of the Startup Challenge to identify and support innovative startups with transformative potential.
2. About the Challenge
The Startup Challenge of The Gap in Between is an international call designed to boost entrepreneurship as a driver of social and environmental transformation.
We seek to identify and showcase startups that are developing innovative solutions to today’s most urgent challenges.
Through this challenge, we not only connect impact-driven entrepreneurs with resources, capital, and strategic allies but also place them at the center of a global conversation about the future we aim to build: fairer, more inclusive, regenerative, and collaborative.
In 2025, the challenge focuses on three key innovation verticals:
Cities of Tomorrow
Smart cities
Urban planning
Climate-resilient architecture
Emergency-ready cities
Bioconstruction
Energy justice
Energy transition
Mobility and transport
Digital infrastructure for sustainable cities
Urban governance and citizenship
Sustainable urban life
Future housing
From Extraction to Regeneration
Regenerative agriculture
Composting
Sustainable protein alternatives
Rural empowerment
Supply chains
Reforestation
Agroforestry
AgTech
Biodiversity
Regenerative materials
Socio-Economic Resilience
Ethical AI
Impact investing
Green funds
Rural digitalization
Digital literacy
Inclusive design
Mental wellbeing
Community and neighborhood cohesion
Art for social change
Youth-led change
Crisis-resilient infrastructures
Social protection
Cultural and religious harmony
3. Eligibility Criteria
To apply, startups must:
Be legally incorporated for at least one year.
Have a validated MVP and a sustainable business model.
Fit within one of the Challenge’s thematic verticals.
Generate positive social or environmental impact.
4. Categories
The Startup Challenge is open to startups at two different maturity levels to ensure fair and tailored evaluation:
Early Stage: Startups with a launched MVP, early validation metrics, and a business model in consolidation phase.
Growth Stage: Startups with market traction, active customers, and a business model in expansion.
5. Participation Process
Early Stage
Application
Startups must complete an online form providing key information about their solution, business model, team, and vision.
Evaluation and Initial Selection
A panel of experts from Social Nest and ecosystem partners will assess the applications. Up to 20 Early Stage semifinalists will be selected. All of them will have a physical booth at the The Gap in Between event.
Acceleration Program
These 20 semifinalists will participate in an intensive three-week online acceleration program (from September 10 to 26, 2025), including training sessions, tailored mentoring, and pitch development.
Mid-Stage Evaluation
At the end of the program, deliverables and progress will be assessed. 10 finalists will be selected to pitch at The Gap in Between Startup Challenge and compete for the category prize.
Pitch Competition
The 10 finalists will present their pitch to an expert jury during the event on October 21, 2025. One winner will be chosen and awarded a €5,000 prize.
Growth Stage
Application
Startups must complete the same online form, detailing their proposal, traction metrics, business model, impact, and team.
Direct Selection
The evaluation committee will select 10 finalists directly based on their level of development and alignment with the Challenge criteria.
Pitch Competition
The 10 finalists will pitch their projects on October 21, 2025, competing for the €10,000 prize for Best Growth Stage Startup.
6. Prizes and Benefits
For the 20 Early Stage semifinalists and 10 Growth Stage finalists:
Personalized physical booths at the event
Early Stage Winner: €5,000
Growth Stage Winner: €10,000
Access to a network of investors, mentors, and top-tier events (4YFN, South Summit, etc.)
Matchmaking with key ecosystem players
6. Timeline
8. Participation
Participation is free of charge. However, during the in-person event, startups will need to cover their own travel, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses. The event organizers are working to secure sponsorships to provide financial support to selected startups.
9. Evaluation Criteria
Although evaluation criteria are common across all applications, Early and Growth Stage startups will be assessed separately.
Both the application form and the final pitch will be assessed by a specialized jury using the following weights:
Social and Environmental Impact – 30%
The project generates a positive and scalable social and/or environmental impact. This impact is central to its business model and is measurable and manageable.Innovation and Differentiation – 25%
The solution presents a significant level of innovation or differentiation that offers a competitive advantage.Business Model Viability – 20%
The project has a clear and sustainable revenue model. Operating costs are reasonable, and the market size supports growth and profitability.Traction – 15%
The project demonstrates significant traction and growth potential. The team can attract clients and secure strategic partnerships.Team – 30%
The team has the necessary skills for both technical and operational execution. Complementarity of profiles and relevant experience are highly valued.
10. Awards Delivery and Publicity
Two startups will be awarded at the end of the challenge in October 2025:
Early Stage Winner: €5,000
Growth Stage Winner: €10,000
The prize will be paid against the invoice. It is indivisible and cannot be modified, accumulated, or substituted.
The startup must accept the prize; otherwise, it will be forfeited without compensation.
A symbolic prize (cheque) will be handed out at the event on October 21. Time and venue will be communicated to finalists in advance.
Participation does not require any payment, in accordance with Spanish Law 13/2011 of May 27.
Winners will be announced publicly via print, audiovisual, or digital media. By accepting these terms, participants authorize Social Nest to use their image for such purposes.
11. Legal Provisions
11.1 Data Protection
Participants acknowledge that their personal data, as provided in the application form, will be processed by Social Nest for the following purposes:
Managing registration, participation, communications, and Challenge activities, including connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors or relevant organizations.
Sending information about related events (only by Social Nest, possibly including third-party content without sharing data).
Maintaining records for evaluating the impact of each edition (anonymized where possible).
Promoting the Challenge.
Processing all data submitted during participation.
Unless otherwise stated, data will be processed under contractual obligations assumed by Social Nest.
Data may be shared with third parties (e.g. investors, partners) as a condition for participation. Refusal will result in disqualification.
Data will generally be processed within the EU. If transferred outside, appropriate safeguards (e.g. standard contractual clauses) will be applied.
Data will be retained for up to 10 years post-participation.
Participants may exercise their rights by contacting: lopd@socialnest.org or by mail to Paseo de las Facultades, 3 (bajo), Valencia, Spain, with a copy of an ID.
Withdrawal of consent will result in automatic disqualification.
11.2 Image Rights and Promotional Use
Participants agree that information about their startups may be used for promotional purposes, including publication on Social Nest websites, without financial compensation.
They also grant the right to record, use, and distribute their image and/or voice, including materials submitted during the application.
This is a free, worldwide, and perpetual license. Revoking it will lead to disqualification.
Social Nest will remove images from its own channels upon request, except where technically impossible or if used in journalistic coverage.
Social Nest is not liable for third-party use of these materials.
11.3 Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights
All content accessed during participation is protected by copyright and industrial property rights.
Participants are responsible for the legality of the software used and ensuring their proposals do not infringe third-party rights.
Source code (if applicable) will be used exclusively for evaluation.
IP protection (patents, trademarks, etc.) is the sole responsibility of participants.
Social Nest does not require NDAs and no confidential information should be included in applications.
Participants will hold Social Nest harmless from any claims due to non-compliance.
11.4 Content
By applying, participants authorize the use of their name and image in Challenge-related promotional materials.
They guarantee their content does not infringe third-party rights or violate privacy, fundamental rights, or child protection laws.
They are liable for any infringement and must compensate Social Nest or third parties for any resulting damage.
11.5 Modifications and Liability Disclaimer
If the Challenge cannot be completed due to external causes (fraud, technical errors, etc.), Social Nest may suspend, modify, or cancel it.
Social Nest reserves the right to modify terms or dates and will inform affected startups accordingly.
It is not liable for delays or incidents caused by third parties.
Any participant found committing fraud, manipulation, or violating the Challenge spirit will be disqualified.
11.6 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
Participation in the Startup Challenge implies full acceptance of these legal terms, governed by Spanish law.
Any disputes will be settled by the Courts of Valencia, Spain.
Valencia, Spain – May 21, 2025