YF Awards
Celebrating the Next Generation of Changemakers in Youth Wellbeing
Awardees will join the YF Innovator community and be celebrated at the YF Block Party, a cultural summit for the youth wellbeing movement that brings together young leaders across tech, research, storytelling, activism and social impact entrepreneurship. May 13–14, 2026, in Austin, TX.
Meet the 2026 Young Futures Awardees!
YF Awards
Categories
Ages 18-29
Recognizing young innovators using technology for good—building tools, platforms or ideas that prioritize wellbeing and human connection over clicks and profits. These are the builders shaping a healthier digital future.
Ages 18-29
Celebrating those who use storytelling to shift culture—through writing, art, film or social media. These creators open hearts and minds, making complex topics about mental health, technology and social change more human and hopeful.
Ages 18-29
Honoring emerging scholars and researchers whose work deepens our understanding of youth mental health, belonging and behavior. This award celebrates curiosity and the drive to turn evidence into real-world impact.
Ages 18-29
Recognizing young leaders who turn ideas into collective action. These advocates push for policy, representation and justice—creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all youth to thrive.
Ages 18-29
Honoring founders and builders driving purpose-led ventures that support youth wellbeing. Whether through products, programs or movements, they’re redefining what it means to help other young people.
Ages 30+
Celebrating adults who show up for young people—mentors, parents, educators, clinicians, and community leaders alike. These champions listen deeply, advocate fiercely and build environments where young people and their families can flourish.
2026 YF Awards Winners
The Young Futures Awards, powered by Hopelab, recognizes young leaders and adult champions helping young people find more agency, safety, belonging, and possibility in a tech-filled world.
Good Actors Within Tech & Innovation
Celebrating young leaders using technology to build tools, systems, and ideas that put people, wellbeing, and a healthier digital future first.
Research & Academia
Honoring emerging scholars and researchers whose work helps us better understand how technology, mental health, identity, and belonging shape young people’s lives.
Storytellers: Journalists, Artists & Influencers
Celebrating creators using reporting, art, film, design, and storytelling to help young people make sense of the world in ways that feel human, honest, and hopeful.
Activists
Recognizing young leaders turning lived experience into collective action for policy, justice, safety, and representation online and off.
Entrepeneurs
Celebrating founders and builders creating purpose-driven models that support connection, leadership, wellbeing, and belonging for the next generation.
Adults Championing Youth & Their Families
Honoring adults who show up for young people and families by building systems, resources, and relationships that help them navigate a tech-filled world with more support and possibility.
YF Award nominations are closed.
Nominate yourself or a changemaker you admire below—but first, get to know the award categories and eligibility requirements, honoring young leaders and adult champions alike.
Stay tuned and see who receives an award.