British Council welcomes innovative solutions for its #IdeasChangeLives global innovation challenge to find digital solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems. People with a fresh, entrepreneurial spirit and a big idea that has the potential to make a positive impact for communities across the globe can apply to win £20,000 to invest in their idea, as well as mentorship and support from the British Council for a full year.

This year, British Council #IdeaChangeLives is looking for ideas that help to meet any or all of the targets within one of the three Global Goals for Sustainable Development below:

• Quality education (SDG 4): Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• Gender equality (SDG 5): Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8): Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Winners of the Global Innovation Challenge

In addition to receiving funding to get your idea off the ground, the British Council Global Innovation Challenge offers other resources to help your business succeed. The winners receive:

£20,000 in prize money to develop your product, no matter what stage you’re at.

Support to help you succeed
A team of digital experts will help you to develop your idea at your own pace. Further, winners will receive the opportunity to connect with others and develop further partnerships through access to global networks, events and sector expertise.

Mentorship for a full year
The British Council tailor the support to suit you. You’ll get access to on-going mentorship from the British Council. Further, you’ll also get advice from subject matter experts on how to potentially grow and scale-up your idea.

Eligibility for the #IdeaChangeLife Global Innovation Challenge

The British Council welcomes everyone all across the world for the #IdeaChangeLife Global Innovation Challenge. Moreover, the applicants can choose to apply as an individual or an organization.

Participants, further, can submit ‘early-stage’ applications, meaning you don’t necessarily need a working prototype when you make your application. Nor they need to be working in the digital or technology sector to apply.

How to apply for the Global Innovation Challenge?

Participants can apply for the Global Innovation Challenge as an individual or on the behalf of an organization. In order to apply for the IdeaChangeLife Challenge, the participants must register for the competition online and complete the application form. The application form requires the candidates to address questions regarding their startup/idea as well as how their idea addresses the theme of the Global Innovation Challenge.

Deadline

British Council accepts the application for the 2020 Global Innovation Challenge until 10 January 2020. Applications arriving after the deadline, however, do not qualify for the competition.