British Council Offers £20,000 For Great Ideas That Can Change Lives

Anyone could have an idea that has the power to change lives. No matter who they are or where they are.

The British Council is looking for people with a fresh, entrepreneurial spirit and a big idea that has the potential to make a positive impact for communities across the globe under their global innovation challenge to find digital solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems under #IdeasChangeLives

The winning pitch will get £20,000 to invest in their idea, as well as mentorship and support from the British Council for a full year.

2019 Focus: 

This year, the focus are on ideas that help to meet any or all of the targets within one of the three Global Goals for Sustainable Development below:

Goal 4: Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Goal 5: Gender equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

READ ALSO: THE GLOBAL GOALS

Things to think about…

#IdeasChangeLives is looking for thoughtful, creative and unusual digital solutions. So, even if you only have the very seed of an idea, as long as you have given it real thought, applications are encouraged.

Recommendation:

Think carefully about the following before you apply:

The need your idea addresses – be clear about which one of The Global Goals you are focusing on and the problem your idea could help to solve.

How people will benefit – why your idea matters to the people it is designed for and how it has the potential to positively impact thousands of lives.

Why it’s compelling – strong feeling that you really care about making a difference so tell us the story behind your idea.

The competition – show that you have a clear understanding and awareness of any competitors who may be working on similar products and why your idea is different.

The tools and resources needed to turn it into a product – it doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked with technology before. What does matter is a clear understanding of how your idea will work in the real world.

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You will get:

Funding to get your idea off the ground with £20,000 in prize money to develop your product, no matter what stage you’re at.

Support to help you succeed – Team of digital experts from British Council will help you to develop your idea at your own pace. We’ll give you the opportunity to connect with others and develop further partnerships through access to global networks, events and sector expertise.

Mentorship for a full year – Support are tailored to suit you. You’ll get access to on-going mentorship from the British Council plus advice from subject matter experts on how to potentially grow and scale-up your idea.

Applications are now open until 10 January 2020

In February 2020, the shortlisted applicants will be announced. They will be asked to make a short video and develop a business model to showcase their idea.

In March 2020, the finalists will be announced who will then be interviewed by the judging panel. The panel will be made up of industry experts and representatives from the British Council’s Digital, Partnerships and Innovation team.

Competition winners will be announced in March 2020.

Click below to take a look at the application questions and enter the competition.

APPLY HERE

Can You Apply?

Yes, the competition is open to anyone and everyone across the world. You can choose to apply as an individual or an organization.

‘Early stage’ applications are accepted, meaning you don’t necessarily need a working prototype when you make your application. You don’t need to be working in the digital or technology sector to apply.