The History of The European Social Innovation Competition
Diogo Vasconcelos was a Portuguese leader who focused on fostering innovation to address some of the great societal challenges of our time. During his career he worked closely with the European Commission and others on issues such as globalisation, sustainability, climate change, urbanisation, democratic participation and healthcare.
Diogo passed away in 2011 at the age of 43. To keep his ambitions alive, the European Commission established the European Social Innovation Competition to inspire entrepreneurs across the continent to continue developing ideas that tackle the challenges our society faces.
Each year, three €50,000 prizes are awarded for the most innovative projects designed to change the world for the better.
Launched in 2013, the European Social Innovation Competition is a challenge prize looking for socially innovative projects designed to change the world for the better.
The Competition run by the European Commission, with the support from the EIC across all EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries. The Competition acts as a beacon for social innovators, employing a proven methodology for supporting early-stage ideas.
Previous editions (click and drag left)
2020
Reimagine Fashion
The 8th European Social Innovation Competition was looking for ideas and ventures that aimed to improve the environmental and social impact of the European fashion market through the development of new products, services and processes, and innovative business models.
2019
Challenging Plastic Waste
The 7th European Social Innovation Competition focused on ideas that reduce plastic waste and littering through changing and improving existing processes or through introducing brand-new products and initiatives.
2018
Rethink Local
The 6th European Social Innovation Competition focused on place-based approaches to empowering young people in a changing economy.
2017
Equality Rebooted
The 5th European Social Innovation Competition focused on ideas to ensure everyone in Europe benefits from the opportunities created by technological changes.
2016
Integrated Futures
The 4th European Social Innovation Competition focused on projects to support the reception and integration of refugees and migrants in Europe.
2015
New Ways to Grow
The 3rd European Social Innovation Competition focused on sustainable approaches to increasing financial growth and social progress.
2014
More Jobs for Europe
The 2nd European Social Innovation Competition focused on initiatives that create new or better jobs in Europe.
2013
Jobs for the Economically Deprived
The 1st European Social Innovation Competition focused on developing solutions for creating new opportunities for work, and for better work.