Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge 2024.

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 (20 -29 September 2024), 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.

Benefits

Access to an unorthodox, dynamic, and diverse platform of youth activists, organizations, and legislators – Tap into a conducive online space to converge around practical SDG solutions.
A much-needed opportunity to visualize and implement the SDGs at the grassroots level – Participate in the making of our future and jumpstart your involvement in the sustainable development agenda as a responsible, impact-oriented social entrepreneur.
Immense networking potential – Build connections, and be part of a community of practice around eco-systemic, collaborative solutions.
A space to exercise your global citizenship muscle – Sharpen and hone skills in leadership, innovation, cross-sector collaboration, analytic thinking, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, and allied areas.
Sourcing diversity of thought, background, and sector – Collaborate with people from many different domains, including engineering, design, civic policy, social justice reform, project management, finance, education, and many others.
Activate resources to further the SDG impact of your startup/project – unlock tangible and intangible perks, including global visibility, prize money, tailored support, access to high-impact network(s), and more.

Requirements

Applicants must:

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. (Basic knowledge of G-suite & eagerness to explore new technologies is recommended, too.)

Selection Process

Here is what you need to keep in mind when considering to apply!

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.