Deadline: 12 July 2024
Registration is now open for the ACT Foundation Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2024 . The Changemakers Innovation Challenge was conceived by the ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of non-profit community organisations and social enterprises in Africa that harness technology and digital tools to create social change in their communities.
Whether it's mobile health solutions, agricultural automation, telemedicine, educational technology microfinance and much more, technological advances continue to strengthen organisations' ability to solve social problems. Emerging technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, blockchain, renewable energy sources and other transformative solutions also play a key role in driving social change.
In response to these trends, the ACT Foundation is seeking partnerships to support these forward-thinking organisations and innovators in creating lasting impact.
Theme
As the world increasingly relies on digital solutions, the ACT Foundation is committed to creating new ways to tackle challenges in a way that is not only innovative, but also sustainable and impactful. Over the past six years, its unwavering support for diverse organisations has illuminated the profound importance of harnessing technology for social impact and fostering creative thinking among innovators.
In line with this, the theme of this year's challenge will revolve around digital innovation that catalyses systematic change, addressing social issues in our society and transforming traditional systems.
By promoting and supporting organisations that drive change with digital innovation, they aim to promote solutions that go beyond immediate gains, leaving a lasting positive mark on African communities. Through this year's challenge, they will champion organisations that are not only innovative, but also practical and sustainable. The winning entries should have the potential to be implemented and scaled up, creating a lasting impact for Africa.
Benefits
- Funding will be awarded to the first three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, facilitating the expansion of their innovative solutions in different communities.
- In addition, technical support in the form of software, hardware or capacity-building training will be provided to the selected finalists, as applicable.
Eligibility
- Open to non-profit organisations and social enterprises in Africa. Companies that realise innovations that lead to social impact can also apply.
- Organisations must present social innovations that address challenges in line with any of the SDG Goals.
- Organisations that have received funding as winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge in the past are not eligible.
- Non-profit organisations or social enterprises must be registered with the government body responsible for registering organisations in their respective countries.
- All entries must be innovative solutions that utilise technology or digital systems as important tools to generate impact in the community. Proof of claims must be provided through web links, videos, photos and any other online presence.
- Organisations must have been in existence for at least two years.
- All social innovations must be in the growth phase and must have been tested or implemented on direct beneficiaries. Evidence of the claim must be provided through photos, press releases, etc.
- All social innovations must have been implemented within the last two years. PILOT INNOVATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Application
Entries for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge open on Monday 24 June 2024 and close on Friday 12 July 2024. Late entries will not be considered.
For more information, visit Changemakers Innovation Challenge .
