£150,000 for Social Impact Startups and Organisations – 100x Impact Accelerator 2027/28

The 100x Impact Accelerator, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), is offering £150,000 in grant funding to support ambitious social ventures developing solutions to major global challenges.

The programme supports established organisations with proven solutions that have the potential to reach significantly more people and create lasting social or environmental change.

Applications are welcomed from both for-profit and nonprofit ventures worldwide, including the United Kingdom.

Successful applicants receive funding alongside a tailored 16-week accelerator programme, expert guidance and access to an international network of funders, advisers and social entrepreneurs.

Applications are currently open and close on 2 November 2026.

Here's what you can expect:

• £150,000 in catalytic grant funding

• A tailored 16-week accelerator programme

• Support with scaling strategies and business development

• Guidance on impact measurement

• Leadership development and mentoring

• Access to LSE's research expertise

• Connections to international funders and advisers

• Networking with other social entrepreneurs

• Long-term strategic support beyond the accelerator

• Potential follow-on funding for selected ventures, subject to availability

What types of ventures are supported?

The programme supports organisations tackling major social and environmental challenges.

1. Climate and Environment

Innovations addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.

Examples include:

• Climate solutions

• Environmental protection

• Sustainable resource management

• Technologies reducing environmental impact

2. Health and Social Care

Solutions improving healthcare accessibility, affordability and outcomes.

Examples include:

• Digital health innovations

• Improved access to healthcare

• Community health solutions

• Social care innovations

3. Education

Projects transforming access to learning and educational opportunities.

Examples include:

• Educational technology

• Inclusive learning solutions

• Innovative teaching approaches

• Programmes addressing educational inequality

4. Equitable Economies

Solutions improving economic inclusion and opportunities for underserved communities.

Examples include:

• Financial inclusion

• Economic empowerment

• Innovative financial services

• Business models addressing inequality

5. Happiness and Wellbeing

Initiatives improving mental health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Examples include:

• Mental health support

• Community wellbeing initiatives

• Accessible wellbeing services

• Innovative support models

6. Refugees and Social Cohesion

Projects supporting displaced communities and strengthening social inclusion.

Examples include:

• Refugee integration

• Access to essential services

• Community cohesion

• Innovative support for displaced populations

7. Democracy

Initiatives strengthening democratic participation and civic engagement.

Examples include:

• Civic technology

• Public participation

• Access to information

• Democratic accountability

8. New Frontiers

Innovative technologies and business models addressing major global challenges.

Examples include:

• Emerging technologies

• Breakthrough social innovations

• Scalable technology platforms

• New approaches to systemic problems

Who can apply?

The accelerator welcomes:

• Social enterprises

• Impact-driven startups

• Registered charities

• Nonprofit organisations

• For-profit businesses with a clear social mission

• Established ventures developing scalable solutions

Applications are open internationally, including to UK-based organisations.

Key eligibility and selection criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A clearly defined social or environmental problem.

• An established solution with evidence that it works.

• A distinctive approach offering advantages over existing alternatives.

• A track record of adoption, measurable outcomes and growth.

• Strong leadership and organisational capabilities.

• A credible strategy for significantly expanding impact.

• The potential to create long-term, systemic change.

• A clear understanding of the communities they serve.

The programme is particularly interested in ventures whose impact could eventually reach hundreds of millions or billions of people.

Geographic priorities

Applications are welcomed from organisations worldwide.

However, 100x aims for approximately 70% of its portfolio to come from emerging markets.

The programme also values organisations whose founders or senior leaders are based in the communities or regions where they operate.

UK organisations remain eligible to apply.

What stage should applicants be at?

The accelerator is designed for ventures that have moved beyond the earliest stages of development.

Competitive applicants should already have:

• A working solution

• Evidence of effectiveness

• Demonstrated adoption

• Measurable impact

• A credible plan for expansion

The programme is not primarily intended for organisations with only an initial idea or an untested concept.

How much funding is available?

Grant Amount: £150,000

Funding Type: Catalytic grant funding

Accelerator Duration: 16 weeks

Geographic Eligibility: Worldwide

The funding is intended to strengthen the organisation's ability to scale its impact.

Selected ventures may also be considered for additional funding, depending on their circumstances and available resources.

Follow-on funding is not guaranteed.

What additional support is available?

Successful applicants receive a long-term partnership with 100x Impact.

Support includes:

Scaling Strategy

Developing practical approaches to expanding an organisation's impact.

Impact Measurement

Strengthening how ventures measure and demonstrate their outcomes.

Leadership Development

Supporting founders and senior teams as their organisations grow.

Research Expertise

Access to relevant knowledge and research expertise from LSE.

Strategic Partnerships

Connections to advisers, funders and organisations that could support future growth.

Peer Learning

Opportunities to collaborate with other social entrepreneurs tackling major global challenges.

How does the application process work?

Stage 1 – Online Application

Applicants complete the official application form explaining:

• The problem they are addressing

• Their solution

• Evidence of impact

• Their organisational model

• Their leadership team

• Their strategy for scaling

Stage 2 – Initial Review

The 100x team reviews applications and selects up to 50 teams to progress.

Applicants who do not progress are expected to be notified in December 2026.

Stage 3 – Initial Interview

Selected applicants participate in a short online interview.

The interview typically lasts approximately 20 minutes and focuses on the founders, their solution and future ambitions.

Stage 4 – Detailed Due Diligence

Shortlisted teams participate in more detailed discussions and provide additional organisational information.

Due diligence is expected to take place between January and April 2027.

Stage 5 – Final Selection

An independent selection committee reviews the shortlisted ventures.

Successful applicants are expected to be notified in July 2027.

Stage 6 – Accelerator Programme

Selected ventures begin their programme in September 2027.

Key dates

Applications Opened: 29 September 2026

Application Deadline: 2 November 2026