Every single day, innovators around the world create new products, methods, and ideas. They manage to see ordinary problems differently and develop innovative solutions that can benefit society. But, even as these social innovators come up with brimming ideas that can solve some of our country’s existing social problems, funding, among others, remains a big hurdle.
Following the resounding success of the Aarohan Social Innovation Awards in 2018, Infosys Foundation has renewed its commitment towards accelerating innovation in the social sector and helping address some of the challenges that innovators are facing today.
About Infosys Foundation
Established in 1996, the Infosys Foundation supports programs in the areas of education, rural development, healthcare, arts and culture, and destitute care. Its mission is to work in remote regions of several states in India. Infosys Foundation takes pride in working with all sections of society, selecting projects with infinite care, and working in areas that are traditionally overlooked by society at large.
Aarohan Social Innovation Awards 2019
With an aim to nurture the culture of social innovation, the Aarohan Social Innovation Awards 2019 will recognize and reward individuals, teams or NGOs developing unique prototypes which have potential to positively impact the underprivileged in India, and bring a positive change to their lives.
Here are the highlights:
- Eligibility
Applicable only to the legal residents of India (adults above 18 years) and NGOs (registered and operational in India only).
- Nomination Categories
The award will accept submissions across six broad categories including:
- Healthcare
- Rural development
- Destitute Care
- Women Safety & Empowerment
- Education & Sports
- Sustainability
- Judges
Last year, the Aarohan Social Innovation Awards witnessed great response from social innovators across the country. Nominations were evaluated by a well-known panel of judges who are actively involved in the social space in India. Aarohan Social Innovation Awards 2019, will have the same panel of judges assessing nominations.
- Evaluation Criteria
The judges will evaluate all eligible entries based on five broad criteria – application to a social problem or need, innovative use of technology, originality of idea, ease of use, and quality of the submission.
- Finalist Selection
Based on the evaluation, the highest scoring entries will undergo further evaluation. The top 30 entries qualifying this evaluation will be selected for the final round. The Finalists (Individuals, Teams or NGOs) will be alerted via email.
- Online Application
The applicant(s) can register and submit his/her nomination under one of the three categories – as an individual/team/NGO on the Nomination Page
While filling their nomination, the applicant(s) needs to add a title and a short description for the prototype. Also, a video (in mp4 or wmv format and of 90 – 120 seconds duration) demonstrating the prototype, along with a supporting document (in doc, docx or pdf format with 30 MB file size) describing the prototype needs to be uploaded.
Please Note: The project needs to be a fully functioning prototype, and not just a concept, mock-up, or an idea. Also, the project should not be an established commercial venture.
- Last Date of Submission
The submission process for Aarohan Social Innovation Awards 2019 is open and will continue up to September 30, 2019.
Listen to Mrs. Sudha Murty, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation, share her vision for Aarohan Awards 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXhXW_wmJ98
Up to INR 50 Lakhs as Prize Money To Winners
Along with notable recognition, and encouraging significant cash award of up to INR 50 lakhs, the award will also offer select winners an opportunity for a residential technical mentorship at IIT Hyderabad for of up to 12 weeks. This internship will help winners in developing and scaling their solutions further.
Hurry Nominations Are Open Only till 30th Sep 2019
If you have a unique prototype/solution that has the power to make a difference to society or know someone whose idea can change the world, then Aarohan Social Innovation Awards is the right platform to showcase such innovation.
Register and Submit Your Nomination Now!
