Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge 2024: (Deadline 31 August, 2024)

Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge 2024: (Deadline 31 August, 2024)

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.

About Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation promotes and enables global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to address global challenges. The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of global citizenship practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our presence spans six global citizenship hubs in Chile, China……

Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge

Aim and Benefits of Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge

• 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 for Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge Qualification

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.)

Interview date, Process and Venue for Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge

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.

Focus Areas:

• Energy & Carbon Reduction
• Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
• Health & Wellbeing
• Food & Nutrition (Agriculture)
• Education

Application Deadline

August 31, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Melton Foundation on meltonfoundation.org to apply