The European Social Innovation Competition, launched in memory of Diogo Vasconcelos, is a Competition run by the European Commission across all European countries, now in its seventh year. The 2019 Competition is titled Challenging Plastic Waste and seeks the most innovative projects, products, services, business models and collaborations that tackle plastic waste. We’re looking for ideas from one or more of the following fields:

  • Reducing the consumption of single use plastic products
  • Recycling, reusing, and upcycling existing plastic waste
  • Dealing with accumulated plastic waste in landfills and the environment
  • Changing consumer behaviours, retail and wider business practices to reduce levels of plastic waste and/or increase recycling and re-use
  • Implementing alternative business models and optimising supply chains to reduce plastic waste and/or increase recycling and re-use
  • Introducing new materials fit for a circular economy or that offer sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics

What We Offer

Semi-Finalists that participate in the Competition have access to a range of support from social innovation experts

1-to-1 dedicated mentoring from locally-based coaches

Access to an online Pool of Experts from across Europe

A series of exclusive webinars covering topics about social innovation

A 3-day residential training Academy, including group workshops, discussion panels, guest speakers, and 1 to 1 support

Ongoing peer support and networking with fellow entrants  

Promotion on the Competition’s website, social media channels, newsletter and press releases as well as by the European Commission

Press support from Media and Communications experts, including a media asset kit

An opportunity to win one of three 50,000 Euro cash prizes and ongoing recognition as an Alumni of the Competition with access to the Alumni Network

An opportunity to win a further 50,000 Euro cash prize the following year as part of the 2020 Impact Prize

What You’ll Learn

Achieving impact

  • Theory of Change
  • Social innovation movement

Launching your idea

  • Prototyping
  • Business models

Telling your story

  • Communications strategy
  • Elevator pitch

For more information about the Competition please visit the Resources page.