Ashoka/HSBC Green Changemakers Challenge 2023 (up to $25,000 prize)

Do you function as a catalyst for others to act in favor of a sustainable world? Do people around you have the mentality and skills necessary to contribute? The Ashoka/HSBC Green Changemakers Challenge 2023 is now accepting applications.

For the third consecutive year, Ashoka and HSBC are working together to introduce the “Green Changemakers Challenge.” Changemakers with solutions that provide people the mentality and skills to help create a sustainable and equitable future are welcome to participate in this global innovation challenge.

The threats facing our planet are gaining pace, and we find ourselves racing towards an ecological crisis.
This is a collective challenge, and to truly create change, we need more than individual solution-builders –
we need green changemakers who are catalyzing those around them to also take action; we need
solutions that are activating others and creating a role for everyone to contribute as problem-solvers.

Focus Areas:

They are searching for green changemakers who are:

• Creating inclusive pathways for people to contribute: They are seeking solutions that
  are bringing more people into the climate conversation, especially those who have
  historically been excluded. These solutions are equitable by design and increase diversity in
  the global community working on climate change.
• Turning data and information into stories that spark action: They are seeking solutions
  that are making climate data and knowledge more accessible, and those that are telling
  inspiring stories to mobilize others to action.
• Creating st ructures of support for existing solutions: They are seeking solutions that are
  built to support other solutions – by enabling the creation of new solutions; scaling existing
  solutions or making them more visible; and prioritizing the traditional knowledge of those
  communities who have always preserved our natural resources.

Prizes:

• Early Entry applicants (those who apply on or before March 29) will:
  • Receive Ashoka’s feedback on how to improve their application before the Final entry deadline
  • 3 participants from this group will be selected to receive a $1,500 prize each and will be featured on a social media post
• All eligible applicants will:
  • Receive feedback from Ashoka and/or HSBC representatives
  • Have a chance to connect with a community of green changemakers through this Challenge
• All semi-finalists (up to 60) will:
  • Have a chance to refine their applications and incorporate feedback received in the screening phase
  • Be celebrated as semi-finalists in the announcement communications
• All finalists (up to 25) will:
  • Have a chance to be evaluated by a panel of expert judges and receive feedback.
• The challenge will have up to 12 winners, who will be selected to represent the diversity of applications received from the 3 focus areas and geographic regions. The Challenge Team will decide funding amounts awarded to each winner. Winning applications will:
  • Receive a minimum $15,000 and up to $25,000 cash prize
  • Have the opportunity to participate in a learning journey & mentoring programme alongside HSBC and Ashoka team members, to help scale your solution.

Eligibility:

• Your venture must be at an early- or mid- stage. Late-stage ventures (over 6 years of
  operations and/or profitability) will not be eligible for selection in this challenge.
• You must be 18 or above at the time of submitting this application.
• If your solution has not been implemented at scale; you must have a clear business plan and
  a minimum-viable solution (prototype, pilot, or another proof of concept).
• If your venture is not incorporated yet (as a non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid organization);
  you must be close to incorporation in the near future.
• Entries will only be accepted in English (winners will be expected to engage in activities that
  require English proficiency).
• They are open to entries from the following 34 countries: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia,
  Australia, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece,
  Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines,
  Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates,
  United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vietnam.

Additional terms:

• Only one application per individual/venture will be accepted.
• Employees of HSBC, advertising agencies, promotion agencies and other service providers
  for this Challenge, their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling,
  regardless of where they reside) are not eligible.
• Partners or past HSBC challenge winners or initiatives that are already financed or
  supported by HSBC, its affiliates, subsidiaries or joint ventures are not eligible.

  Click here to apply