UCF Social Innovation Competition: Ignite Change & Win Cash Prizes!
Envision. Innovate. Impact.
Overview
Join UCF’s Social Innovation Competition, where we challenge YOU to develop solutions for society's most pressing problems. You can make a difference while earning fame and fortune! Be the spark that ignites change!
What is Social Innovation?
Social innovation is the development and implementation of novel solutions to address complex societal challenges, creating positive change and improved well-being for communities. It's a blend of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship resulting in initiatives that are sustainable, impactful, and inclusive. For instance, in education, a social innovation example is EdTech startups enriching learning experiences with AI and virtual reality. In homelessness, tiny home villages are emerging as community-built solutions offering safe, dignified housing. Regarding sustainability, urban rooftop farms are turning unused spaces into green food sources, promoting local, organic produce and biodiversity, and reducing carbon footprints (learn more and see additional examples here).
However, innovations do not create value unless they can be shared with others. To realize the potential of your solution, you must also describe how you intend to deliver it to others, who you intend to deliver it to, and revenue you intend to earn to pay for creating and providing your solution. Social enterprises often sustain their efforts with revenue earned by engaging in commercial activities, often with a dual goal of achieving both financial returns and creating positive social or environmental impacts (e.g., buy-one-donate one companies like Bombas socks). Additionally, they may secure funding through grants, donations, or investments that prioritize societal benefits alongside sustainable business practices. Thus, this competition requires consideration of who solutions will be delivered to and how revenue needed to sustain those deliveries can be earned. Thus, in addition to describing a solution to a problem, this competition asks you to consider how you will provide that solution to those who would benefit from your vision.
Social innovation is a call to action for aspiring change-makers dedicated to crafting a better future. We welcome ALL students from ALL disciplines to participate in this important innovation and entrepreneurship showcase event.
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