Fully Funded World Bank Youth Summit in Washington, USA is calling all young social entrepreneurs to submit an innovative idea that contributes to building human capital, the greatest asset of economies globally. Unleashing the power of human capital to ensure that individuals – at all stages of life – are well-equipped to fully realize their potential and shape their own paths is one of the most complex and pressing challenges of our time. Everybody has a role to play – governments, international organizations, non-profits, local communities, and individuals – but no one is better placed than young people themselves to identify, innovate, and overcome the obstacles faced in an era of fast-paced, technology-driven change

The purpose of this competition is to challenge young people to solve problems that i) enhance the foundations of human capital by addressing challenges related to childhood education, health, and nutrition; and/or ii) cultivate the skills, knowledge, and well-being of adults in order to improve the capacity of individuals to reach their full potential in an uncertain future.

The competition provides a forum for young people to identify problems in their communities related to the two pillars of human capital and craft their own innovative solutions. In doing so, it aims to inspire, stimulate entrepreneurial problem solving, and create dialogue on innovative ways to unlock obstacles that have traditionally hindered investment in the potential and quality of life of individuals.

Competition

How would you spur innovations that contribute to shrinking the ‘human capital gap’ and foster the skills and well-being of individuals? This is your opportunity to submit an original idea aimed at increasing human skills, knowledge, or well-being related to at least one of the subthemes listed in either or both pillars below.

Pillar I: Building the foundations of human capital[1] subthemes:

• Infant care and/or maternal health
• Childhood and/or early youth education
• Childhood health and/or nutrition 

Pillar II: Maximizing individual potential[2] subthemes:

• Life-long learning & training
• Adult & elderly health

Eligibility

• The competition is open to individuals or teams of 1-4 people aged 18 to 35, from all over the world.
• The Competition is open to nationals of ALL countries of the world.
• Prior entrepreneurial experience or business background is not required – all individuals with the drive to innovate are encouraged to participate, including professionals from business or policy, students, and academics, NGO leaders, government officials and start-up founders.
• Teams and individuals are limited to one submission each.
• Active (at the time of the submission up until the closing of the Youth Summit 2018) staff of the World Bank Group, including Consultants and Interns, are not eligible to participate in the Competition.