Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge applications are now open. Designed as a virtual, pan-African innovation space, the SDG Innovation Challenge is a powerhouse for young Africans (16 – 35 years) to develop cross-boundary, sustainable solutions to grassroots challenges that further social impact and contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Innovation is a force that sets the engine of sustainable development running, uncovering initiatives that build resilience, contribute to more equitable resource distribution, further inclusion, alleviate environmental stress, and so on. Moreover, and in alignment with SDG 17 (Partnerships For The Goals), we emphasize collaboration and partnerships as a central axis around which our efforts are oriented.
In collaboration with the Global Goals Week, the SDG INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2024 supports the annual week of action, awareness, and accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals, promising to join hands with local, regional, and global partners to nurture fresh thinking and supercharge sustainable, inclusive solutions for people and the planet.
Eligibility Requirements for Projects
All startups/projects should:
- Have a connection to the theme Bridging Social Innovation Gaps: Propelling Youth-led Innovations for Sustainable Development.
- Connect to one or more Focus Areas (see below).
- Have clarity about how they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Be in an early stage of project development (0.5 – 2 years).
- Have initial evidence of impact and potential to scale.
- Target a specific community or location in Africa.
- Be socio-economically viable, entrepreneurial, and/or scalable in their approach.
- Contribute to change of mindset and behavior in their community.
- Contribute to creating a more inclusive society.
- Should further decent work, digital transformation, partnerships, and collaborations.
Focus Areas
Below are the areas that the project or start-up must focus on;
- Energy & Carbon Reduction
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
- Health & Wellbeing
- Food & Nutrition (Agriculture)
- Education
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To apply, Applicants must possess the following qualities;
- Share a passion, drive, and commitment to improving livelihoods in their community.
- Have a genuine interest in sustainable development and a desire to contribute to the SDGs at the grassroots level and beyond.
- Be able to work with team from different domains, cultures, and geographies.
- Have the motivation to work in an agile hackathon-like environment to pivot their startup/project.
- Have curiosity, open-mindedness & desire to reimagine how we tackle SDGs.
- Have a 0.5 – 2 years old project and belong to a youth-led startup or project team (4-7 people).
- Commit to the innovation process and be eager to develop and/or rethink their startup/project for more sustainable impact.
- Ensure that their schedule allows for full participation throughout the different phases of the SDG Innovation Challenge.
- Have access to a laptop/desktop computer and stable internet connectivity.
Benefits of the 2024 Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge
Successful applicants would enjoy the following;
- Access to an unorthodox, dynamic, and diverse platform of youth activists, organizations, and legislators.
- A much-needed opportunity to visualize and implement the SDGs at the grassroots level.
- Immense networking potential.
- A space to exercise your global citizenship muscle.
- Sourcing diversity of thought, background, and sector.
- Activate resources to further the SDG impact of your startup/project.
How to Apply the 2024 Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge
To participate virtually on 12-14 September, Applicant must register by 31 August, 2024 before 11:59 PM GMT.
Before applying, here are some rules to keep in mind:
- Only teams of 4 to 7 people can apply. One team member must complete the application on behalf of the entire team.
- Any idea entering the challenge must be at an early stage at the most.
- Be committed to develop your startup/project during and after the challenge.
- All applications will be screened and undergo a pre-selection.
- We are inclusive in our approach and encourage young Africans to participate, regardless of their background, gender, physical or cognitive abilities.
For More Information, visit HERE