ACT Foundation Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2024: (Deadline 22 July, 2024)

Applications are open for the ACT Foundation Changemakers Innovation Challenge 2024. 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.

Theme

As the world increasingly relies on digital solutions, ACT Foundation is committed to forging new pathways for addressing challenges in a manner that is not only innovative but also sustainable and impactful. Over the past six years, their unwavering support to diverse organisations has illuminated the profound importance of leveraging technology for social impact and fostering creative thinking among innovators.

In line with this, the theme of this year’s challenge will revolve around digital innovation that catalyses systematic chang by addressing social issues within our society and transforming traditional systems.

By promoting and supporting organisations Driving Change with Digital Innovation, they aim to foster solutions that go beyond immediate gains, leaving a lasting positive imprint on African communities. Through this year’s challenge, they will champion the organizations that are not only innovative but also practical and sustainable. Winning entries should have the potential to be implemented and scaled, creating a lasting impact for Africa.

Benefits

• Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) 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.

Eligibility

• Open to non-profits and social enterprises in Africa. Businesses carrying out innovations that lead to social impact may also apply. 
• Organisations must submit social innovations that address challenges in alignment with any of the SDG Goals.
• Organisations that have been awarded funding as winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge in the past are not eligible.
• Non-profits or social enterprises must be registered with the government agency in charge of organizations’ registry in their respective countries.
• All submissions must be innovative solutions that use technology or digital systems as major tools in driving community impact. Evidence of claims must be provided through web links, videos, pictures and any other online presence.
• Organizations must have been in existence for at least two years.
• All social innovations must be at the growth stage and must have been tested or implemented on direct beneficiaries. Evidence of claim must be provided through pictures, news releases, etc.
• All social innovations must have been implemented within the past two years. PILOT INNOVATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Deadline: 22 July, 2024

Application

Entry for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge opens on Monday, June 24, 2024 and closes Friday, July 12, 2024. Late entries will not be considered.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Changemakers Innovation Challenge.