Ashoka and HSBC jointly collaborate to organize Green Skills Innovation Challenge. This global innovation competition is open to social entrepreneurs in selected markets with ventures that equip individuals and communities with the skills needed to thrive in the transition to a green economy.

Background

As we look towards a post-pandemic world, we have an opportunity to shape a recovery that leverages solutions that address the climate crisis and promote health, equality, and financial wellbeing.

This Green Economy requires a workforce equipped with robust green skills—the competencies that allow individuals to step into new green jobs or transition aspects of their current careers towards jobs that will have positive impacts on the planet.

Benefits

The Green Skills Innovation Challenge will award social entrepreneurs with up to $20,000 of grant funding from a total prize fund of $230,000.

Eligibility 

Green Skills Innovation Challenge calls applications from social entrepreneurs with ventures which recognize:

• The power of multi-solving. Green skills can bring about an inclusive and sustainable future, solving the climate crisis along with social problems.
• Everyone is necessary. As environmentally harmful jobs are phased out, people’s valuable skills can be repurposed towards growth sectors in the green economy.
• Young people are critical. With green skills, youth across the world will be able to jump into the green economy with confidence and thrive.

Criteria

• You must have incorporated as a non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid organization
• You must be over 18 by the time you apply
• If your product has not launched; you must have a business plan and MVP (prototype, pilot, or another proof of concept).
• Entries will only be accepted in English (winners will be expected to engage in activities that require English proficiency)

Eligible Countries

The program is open to entries from the following markets: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK (including Channel Islands), Uruguay, USA, Vietnam

Terms and Conditions of the Green Skills Innovation Challenge