The 2016 Social Innovation Competition focuses on social innovation for refugees and migrants. The 3 winners of the competition will each receive a prize of €50,000. Take a chance, enter the competition and submit your idea!

Entries must be received on line. You will be asked to answer 7 questions in a maximum total of 1,000 words.

Deadline: Friday 8 April 2016 at 12.00.00 (noon, Central European Time).

The European Commission is looking for innovations in products, technologies, services and models that can support the integration of refugees and migrants. Innovations can relate to any aspect of the reception and integration process including, but not limited to, ideas around:

  • education and skills development
  • employment and entrepreneurship
  • access to appropriate housing and health services
  • safety and human rights
  • community cohesion and cultural diversity.

The competition is open to individuals, groups and organisations across the European Union and in countries participating in the European Horizon 2020 programme. Applications that are led by or have been co-created with refugees and migrants are encouraged.

The competition is organised in two phases:
Phase 1: Out of the total of entries received by the deadline, 30 semi-finalists are to be selected to receive mentoring support to further progress their ideas. They will be invited to take part in the Social Innovation Academy, and to network with other European organisations and potential partners in their field of activity.
Phase 2: Out of the 30 semi-finalists, 10 finalists will be invited to the Awards Ceremony where the 3 final winners will receive a prize of €50,000 each.

Further information (rules of contest, FAQ etc) and online application can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/innovation/policy/social/competition/

Good luck to everyone!