The Tech for Good Challenge launches Wednesday Feb 27th, with the aim of uncovering England’s most innovative and disruptive early-stage ventures whose imaginative use of digital technology will have a profound impact on the future life chances of young people.
The application process is simple. Early-stage ventures that fit the criteria are invited to submit information about their enterprise, product or service via a form on the Big Issue Invest website from Feb 27th.
Applications close on 15th April and up to 20 teams will
be selected for an intensive mentoring programme, with ten finalists chosen to receive
investment of up to£50,000, as well as ongoing support.
This initiative is a
partnership between Big Issue Invest and Nominet Trust with support from five
corporate partners: Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, LDC, MITIE, Salesforce Foundation and Unity Trust Bank.The Challenge is also supported by the Big Lottery.
These partners will provide investment
and mentoring to fast track the development of the successful early-stage
ventures. Big Issue Invest’s proven track record of turning social ventures
into successful enterprises through strategic, creative partnerships underpins
the initiative. Its unique insights mean that the successful teams will access precisely
the right guidance and support.
“Everywhere you look, people’s
lives are being transformed by technology,” says Nigel Kershaw OBE, Chief
Executive of Big Issue Invest. “We’re setting out to find 10 enterprises that
are using technology to positively transform the lives of young people. It’s
not just about providing these ventures with money. It’s about our corporate
partners providing their resources, expertise and market knowledge too. By
ensuring they are truly engaged with the ventures in which they are investing, we
redefine the idea of corporate social responsibility. Our ultimate aim is to create
an environment that makes it easier for young people to change their lives.”
With more than one million young people in the UK not in education, employment or training (NEETs), the Tech for Good Challenge is looking to support the development of digital technology innovations addressing this major social problem. Importantly, applicants must engage with and work for young people in new, more meaningful and relevant ways to provide imaginative solutions to the issues they face.
To apply visit www.bigissueinvest-csv.com [1]