The Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator helps young people in the United States and India create positive change in their communities. One grand prize winner in each country will receive $25,000/₹1,000,000, but many others will receive smaller awards.

Applications are due by March 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST in the U.S. and March 15, 2024 at 10:29 AM IST in India. All applicants who submit a draft by the Early Entry Deadline (February 15, 2024 in the U.S. or February 16, 2024 in India) will receive feedback and the chance to resubmit with changes.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals and teams in the United States, U.S. territories, and India who are:

• 16 – 26 years old
• Residents of the United States, U.S. territories, or India
• The founder or co-founder of the project they’re applying for

U.S. based applicants must also be able to participate in the Ambition Accelerator U.S. Summit in California the week of August 2, 2024. India-based applicants must be able to participate in the Ambition Accelerator India Summit in Bangalore the week of September 9, 2024. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prizes

Early Entry Standouts

Ten Early Entry Standouts will be chosen from those who submit by the early deadlines in February. At least one each will be from the U.S. or its territories, India, and a Taco Bell restaurant team member. They will receive:

• $500 – U.S. and territories
• ₹20,000 – India

Seed Prize Awards

All applicants will have the chance to participate in the Community Review process during which they will evaluate other projects and receive feedback from their peers. Based on the scores from this process, 250 Seed Prize winners will be chosen. At least 50 each will be from the U.S. or its territories and India and at least 10 will be Taco Bell restaurant team members. They will receive:

• $500 – U.S. and territories
• ₹20,000 – India

Summit Semi-Finalists

Fifty U.S. applicants and 25 Indian applicants will be chosen as Semi-Finalists and attend their country’s Ambition Accelerator Summit. At least 5 of the 75 Semi-Finalists will be Taco Bell restaurant team members. In addition to airfare, lodging, and meals, attendees will receive:

• $1,000 – U.S. and territories
• ₹40,000 – India

Pitch Finalists

Five Summit particpants from each country will be chosen to pitch their idea to the judges. All finalists will receive recognition on the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator website and social media accounts. They will also receive:

• U.S. Grand Prize Winner – $25,000
• 4 U.S. Runners-up – $5,000
• Indian Grand Prize Winner –  ₹1,000,000
• 4 Indian Runners-up – ₹200,000

Review Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on:

• Fueled by community – Understanding of and connection to the problem, informed by impacted people, and dedicated to improving the community
• Innovation – Making something new, focusing on an overlooked issue, or providing a new perspective on a known problem
• Collaborative leadership – The existence of or plans to form a team and/or partnerships
• Commitment – A well developed plan with actionable steps and the dedication to carry it out