While every application submitted will be considered for the World Changing Ideas list, you may also choose to apply to any of these new categories for an additional fee, increasing your odds of being recognized by Fast Company. Multiple honorees will be named in each category.
Best World Changing Idea Asia-Pacific - The best ideas serving or headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region
Best World Changing Idea Europe, the Middle East, and Africa – The best ideas serving or headquartered in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
Best World Changing Idea Latin America- The best ideas serving or headquartered in Latin America
Best World Changing Idea North America - The best ideas serving or headquartered in North America
On the Rise: 0–4 Years in Business Projects from companies that have been in business for less than 4 years
Established Excellence: 5–14 Years in Business Projects from companies that have been in business between 5 and 14 years
Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business Projects from companies that have been in business more than 15 years
Academic Excellence Projects in any category that are designed to make a difference, created by undergraduate or graduate students, faculty, research labs, or any other world-changing idea that is affiliated with an academic institution
Business Products and Services Creative B2B offerings that make systems more equitable, sustainable, or accessible
Consumer Products and Services Offerings that help people live a more purposeful life or have the potential to provide a new way of thinking about how we consume
Social Equity and Accessibility Projects, products, or services that help advance the cause of civil rights for marginalized people or groups, or generally make the world more accessible. This can include everything from corporate social responsibility and social justice to healthcare and education to politics and policy initiatives
Technology Solutions Scientific or technological advancements that have the potential to improve our quality of life, make materials more sustainable, or reinvent products for the better. This can include everything from AI and data to apps and software to industry-specific technology that helps improve a certain corner of the world
Visionary of the Year Leaders at any level of a company who helped create a product, service, new business model, or policy that improved sustainability, equity, and/or accessibility, and generally made the world a better place for its customers
Applications for the 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards are now closed.
To receive a notification when 2026 applications open, please fill out the form linked here.
Have any questions or concerns? Email us at WCIAwards@fastcompany.com