The Changemakers Innovation Challenge was conceived by ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of community non-profits and social enterprises in Africa that leverage technology and digital tools to create social change within their communities.
Whether it be solutions in mobile health, farm automation, telemedicine, ed-tech microfinance, and beyond, technological advancements continue to strengthen the capacity of organisations to solve social problems. Emerging technological innovations like artificial intelligence, data analytics, blockchain, renewable energy sources, and other transformative solutions also play a pivotal role in driving social change.
In response to these trends, ACT Foundation seeks to garner partnerships towards the support of such forward-thinking organisations and innovators in creating lasting impact.
Eligibility
Open to innovators (individuals who implement tech-driven social impact interventions in their communities, they may or may not run a non-profit or social enterprise in Africa).
Applicants must be residents and citizens of any African country.
The initiative must be youth-led (founder or team lead within the age range 18-25 years).
Applicants must submit social innovations that address challenges in alignment with any of the Sustainable Development Goals. Evidence of claims must be provided through videos, pictures, and any other online presence.
The solution must be technology-driven or demonstrate a strong integration of technology.
Past CIC awardees are NOT eligible.
The intervention must have shown tangible results.
All innovations must have been tested or implemented on direct beneficiaries. Evidence of claim must be provided through pictures, videos, news releases, etc.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation of the applications will be carried out within the following parameters:
Innovation and creativity (30%) – How original and creative is the solution?
Use of technology (20%) – Effective integration of technology to drive change.
Impact (20%) – Evidence of positive social change and number of beneficiaries.
Scalability/Sustainability (15%) – Potential for long-term growth and sustainability.
Clarity of vision and leadership (15%) – Demonstrated leadership and clarity of purpose.
Benefits
Grant funding will be awarded to the top four (4) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, facilitating the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities.
Furthermore, technical support in form of either software, hardware or capacity-building training will be provided to selected finalists as applicable.
