European Commission selects 35 semi-finalists in the European Social Innovation Competition
Thirty semi-finalists have been selected by the European Commission from over 1,400 applicants in the 2015 edition of the European Social Innovation Competition. This year’s theme “New Ways to Grow” attracted entries from over 40 countries, each highlighting social issues that are major concerns for many Europeans. At the top of the agenda were ideas to promote inclusion, education and youth, employment, health and ageing, climate change, food waste and the environment.
The semi-finalists comprise a wide range of ideas including the transformation of bio waste from canteens and restaurants into biogas which creates employment while benefiting the environment, and accessible beekeeping for wheelchair users or other less mobile individuals.
At a social innovation academy to be held in Vienna in September, all semi-finalists will receive tailored mentoring and support to give them the best possible chance in the competition and beyond. Following the academy, ten finalists will be selected by the jury and the three most effective solutions will each receive €50,000 to kick start their project at the awards ceremony in Brussels in November 2015.
More information: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8368