British Council £20,000 #IdeasChangeLives Global Innovation Challenge 2019
Application Deadline: January 10, 2020.
British Council #IdeasChangeLives is a global innovation challenge to find digital solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems. They’re looking for people with a fresh, entrepreneurial spirit and a big idea that has the potential to make a positive impact for communities across the globe. The winning pitch will get £20,000 to invest in their idea, as well as mentorship and support from the British Council for a full year.
Focus for 2019
This year, British Council is looking for ideas that help us to meet any or all of the targets within one of the three Global Goals for Sustainable Development below:
Goal 4: Quality education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Goal 5: Gender equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Benefits
Funding to get your idea off the ground: £20,000 in prize money to develop your product, no matter what stage you’re at.
Support to help you succeed: Our team of digital experts will help you to develop your idea at your own pace. We’ll give you the opportunity to connect with others and develop further partnerships through access to global networks, events and sector expertise.
Mentorship for a full year: We tailor our support to suit you. You’ll get access to on-going mentorship from the British Council plus advice from subject matter experts on how to potentially grow and scale-up your idea
Who Can Apply
- The competition is open to anyone and everyone across the world. You can choose to apply as an individual or an organisation.
- They accept ‘early stage’ applications, meaning you don’t necessarily need a working prototype when you make your application.
- You don’t need to be working in the digital or technology sector to apply.
Read also: United Nations $100,000 World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator 2019 (Fully-funded to Germany)
Application
British Council is looking for thoughtful, creative and unusual digital solutions. So, even if you only have the very seed of an idea, as long as you have given it real thought, applications are encouraged.
To help, we recommend thinking carefully about the following before you apply:
- The need your idea addresses – be clear about which one of The Global Goals you are focusing on and the problem your idea could help to solve.
- How people will benefit – tell us why your idea matters to the people it is designed for and how it has the potential to positively impact thousands of lives.
- Why it’s compelling – we need to feel that you really care about making a difference so tell us the story behind your idea.
- The competition – show us you have a clear understanding and awareness of any competitors who may be working on similar products and tell us why your idea is different.
- The tools and resources needed to turn it into a product – it doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked with technology before. What does matter is a clear understanding of how your idea will work in the real world.
Apply Now
For more info, visit British Council #IdeasChangeLives
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