Changemakers Innovation Challenge "24

Driving Change with
Digital Innovation

Application has closed.

Background

In today's rapidly evolving world, technology and innovation continue to transform various aspects of human life. The advent of advanced technological tools and resources has made life easier, faster, and better, offering real-time information at our fingertips. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic  further accelerated the pace of digitization and technology adoption, while also exposing and exacerbating existing inequalities. Considering these technological advancements, the social sector is increasingly embracing digital innovations to address developmental challenges faced by African communities. Despite decades of humanitarian aid and funding, millions of Africans still lack necessities such as food, clean water, and education. Therefore, it has become imperative for changemakers to harness the power of technology to alleviate these challenges more efficiently and effectively.

ABOUT CHANGEMAKERS INNOVATION CHALLENGE

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.

The challenge is open to non-profits, social enterprises and businesses across Africa that are utilizing various technological and digital tools to develop innovative social solutions. 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.

ABOUT CHANGEMAKERS INNOVATION CHALLENGE

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.

The challenge is open to non-profits, social enterprises and businesses across Africa that are utilizing various technological and digital tools to develop innovative social solutions. 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.

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, our 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, we aim to foster solutions that go beyond immediate gains, leaving a lasting positive imprint on African communities. Through this year's challenge, we 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.

To support the review and evaluation of the submitted applications, the following are suggested lists of internal reviewers and judges we hope would be a part of this year’s challenge:

Guidelines

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

Only one entry will be accepted per organization. Once an entry has been submitted, no further changes will be accepted.

All entries for this challenge must be submitted in English.

No entry fee, purchase or payment of any kind is required to apply.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge towards the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. Technical support will also be awarded as applicable.

Winners will be announced and awarded at the annual ACT Foundation Breakfast Dialogue which is scheduled to hold in October 2024. For more details, visit www.actrustfoundation.org.

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, our 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, we aim to foster solutions that go beyond immediate gains, leaving a lasting positive imprint on African communities. Through this year's challenge, we 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.

To support the review and evaluation of the submitted applications, the following are suggested lists of internal reviewers and judges we hope would be a part of this year’s challenge:

Guidelines

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

Only one entry will be accepted per organization. Once an entry has been submitted, no further changes will be accepted.

All entries for this challenge must be submitted in English.

No entry fee, purchase or payment of any kind is required to apply.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge towards the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. Technical support will also be awarded as applicable.

Winners will be announced and awarded at the annual ACT Foundation Breakfast Dialogue which is scheduled to hold in October 2024. For more details, visit www.actrustfoundation.org.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Changemakers Innovation Challenge is 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 Click here for more insights on the SDGs

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. Click here to read our Evaluation Criteria.

Are you ready to drive change?

Application has closed.