OFFICIAL RULES
TheGenZ Founders Awards 2026 · Last updated September 30, 2026
1. Organizer
The TheGenZ Founders Awards 2026 (the "Awards") are organized by TheGenZ News (the "Organizer"). Publisher details are listed in the Impressum. The Awards are not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, Meta or any other platform.
2. Free to enter
No purchase or payment is necessary to apply, be nominated, vote or win. Paying does not improve the chances of being shortlisted or winning. The Organizer will never ask nominees for money.
3. Eligibility
Founders or co-founders of a business that is operating (customers, users or revenue) who are legal residents of the 50 United States, D.C. or Puerto Rico, at least 18 years old, and under 30 years old on December 31, 2026. Employees of the Organizer and their immediate families are not eligible. Void where prohibited.
4. How to enter
Apply yourself or nominate a founder through the form at thegenz.news/Awards/apply. One entry per founder and company. Nominated founders are contacted before any of their details are published and may decline.
5. Categories
AI & Tech, E-Commerce & DTC, Creator Economy, Fashion & Beauty, Food & Drinks, Finance & Crypto, Health & Wellness, Social Impact, Student Founder, Local Business. The Organizer may move an entry to a better-fitting category or merge categories with too few entries.
6. Timeline
Applications open: Oct 1 – Nov 15, 2026 · Shortlist: Nov 20, 2026 · Public vote · Round 1: Nov 20 – Dec 4, 2026 · The Final: Dec 7 – Dec 18, 2026 · Winners revealed: Dec 21 – Dec 31, 2026. Dates are Eastern Time and may be adjusted; changes will be announced on this page.
7. Shortlist
The editorial team selects up to 10 founders per category based on the substance of the business (traction, originality, impact) and the credibility of the application. The Organizer may verify claims and request proof, and may reject entries that are incomplete, misleading or inappropriate (including MLM/pyramid schemes, gambling or adult content).
8. Voting
Anyone may vote. Each voter confirms an email address and may vote once per day per category. Votes from bots, scripts, fake or disposable accounts, or paid vote services are removed. Nominees who buy, trade or fake votes may be disqualified. The Organizer's vote count is final.
9. Winners
Round 1 votes decide which three founders per category reach the final. In the final, the public vote counts 50% and the editorial jury 50%. Ties are decided by the jury. Winners are announced on thegenz.news and @thegenz.news.
10. Prizes
Winners receive editorial coverage (feature article, Instagram post and Story), an official winner badge and a place in the "Gen Z Founders 2026" list. Finalists receive a badge and a profile page. Prizes have no cash value, cannot be exchanged and are not transferable. Editorial coverage is written independently by TheGenZ News.
11. Publicity & content
By entering, entrants confirm that the information and photo they submit are accurate and that they have the right to share them, and they allow the Organizer to publish the profile details (never the email address) on its website and social channels in connection with the Awards. Entrants can ask to be removed at any time via the contact page.
12. Privacy
Personal data is handled as described in our Privacy Policy. Email addresses are used only to run the Awards and are never sold or shown publicly.
13. General
The Organizer may cancel, suspend or modify the Awards if fraud, technical problems or other circumstances beyond its control affect their fairness. Decisions of the Organizer are final. These rules are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, USA.