The Social Innovation Tournament recognises and supports the best European impact entrepreneurs. It promotes innovative ideas and rewards initiatives that contribute to creating social, ethical and/or environmental impact. Typically, it covers projects in the areas of education, healthcare, the environment, circular economy, climate change, sustainable cities, blue and green economy, inclusion, job creation, ageing and many more.
The tournament runs in two rounds. A Selection Committee comprised mainly of EIB Group experts in innovation, the environment, and other relevant disciplines selects 15 finalists. The finalists participate in a tailor-made training programme (mentoring boo(s)tcamp, e-training on pitching and communication techniques, rehearsal days) to provide them with the necessary guidance to finalise their proposals and prepare them for the Deep Dive Pitches (event by invitation only) which will be held on 27 September and where the finalists will present and defend their project to a jury of social innovations specialists. The Spark Moments event, where finalists will pitch to the public, and Awards Dinner will take place on 28 September.
Finalists from all SIT editions become members of the SIT Alumni Network. As members, they benefit from (i) numerous training and capacity building opportunities such as the Scaling Impact Executive Programme, a full-time executive training course focused on scaling, pitching and engagement with investors, (ii) access to human and financial resources (e.g. a network of EIB Group experts and SITolarships, an innovation grants programme) and (iii) recognition and visibility (e.g. speak/participate at conferences around Europe to network with investors, venture philanthropists and foundations who can help their project to scale). Furthermore, to explore synergies and complementarities with the growing community of social entrepreneurs supported by the Institute through the SIT, the Institute is supporting the first social incubator in the north of Portugal.
Awards:-
The winning projects in the General Category and the Special Category will be awarded a first or second prize of €100 000 and €40 000 respectively. In 2023, the Special Category prizes will go to projects focusing on sustainable cities and communities. The grand finale will be held in Stockholm on 27-28 September 2023.
The prizes are awarded by a jury of specialists from the academic and business worlds. The Audience Choice Award of €10,000 will be decoded by the public, based on their votes.
Deadline:- 23-02-2023
