Three €50,000 prizes awarded by the European Commission for the most innovative projects designed to Reimagine Fashion
What will the Competition’s Judges be looking for?
This competition will reward the most innovative approaches to reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion market
Join us for the launch of the European Social Innovation Competition 2020
12.02.2020
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Valencia
Launched in memory of social innovation pioneer Diogo Vasconcelos, the European Social Innovation Competition is a challenge prize run by the European Commission across all EU Member States and Horizon 2020 Associated Countries. Now in its 8th year, the Competition acts as a beacon for social innovators in Europe, employing a proven methodology for supporting early-stage ideas and facilitating a network of radical innovators shaping society for the better. Each year the Competition is based around a different issue facing Europe. This year, the focus is:
The competition is supported by a consortium of partners led by Nesta Challenges.
Entry Period
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20th January: 2020 edition of the Competition launches online.
12th February: Launch event takes place in Valencia, Spain, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs and policy makers for an afternoon of networking and talks on social innovation and sustainable fashion.
4th March: Entry period closes (12:00 Midday CET).
All ideas for European Social Innovation Competition has to be submitted online by 4th March 12:00 CEST.
First Phase of the Competition
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Early May: 30 Semi-Finalists are announced. The Semi-Finalists receive a package of support from experienced social innovators to further the development of their ideas. Each Semi-Finalist is paired up with a local coach for 1-to-1 mentoring, as well as granted access to an online Pool of Experts for tailored advice on specific aspects of launching a social venture and provided with a series of exclusive webinars on key topics.
Early July: Social Innovation Academy takes places in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. All Semi-Finalists are eligible to send 2 representatives to a 3-day residential training academy providing further expert support for the development of their ideas, as well as connecting them to a community of other European social innovators.
Second Phase of the Competition
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20th August: Semi-Finalists submit their Development Plans, outlining how they will successfully launch and scale their idea.
September: 10 Finalists are announced. Finalists receive further remote training, including webinars from international experts and continued support from their coach. They are also given an opportunity to raise awareness of their project by pitching it live-on stage during the Awards Ceremony.
Award Stage & Award ceremony
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Late Autumn:
The Awards Ceremony takes place where 3 Winners – each receiving a 50,000 Euro cash prize – are announced.
Third Phase of the Competition
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Spring 2021: The Impact Prize is launched. All 2020 Semi-Finalists, Finalists and Winners are eligible to enter.
August 2021: Deadline for the completion of Impact Reports, which are used to determine the winner of the Impact Prize
October 2021: The Impact Prize will be awarded to the eligible project that has achieved the most significant social impact in the past year, as outlined in their Impact Report. The winning project will receive a 50,000 Euro cash prize