Applications Open for Global Innovation Challenge
In partnership with Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge, The Nice Center invites student teams to present innovative solutions to address social and environmental challenges
Compete For $50k Alongside Brilliant Minds From Around The World
If you have an innovative idea that could address one of our world’s greatest challenges right now — be it climate change, economic inequality, access to clean water, energy, etc. — then we invite you to submit it for review at The Nice Center. Two select students, or student teams, may go on to represent NDSU at Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge 2020 in San Diego, CA, this June, competing for $50,000 in funding and other resources.
What is the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge?
The Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge (GSIC) encourages students to conceive and cultivate social ventures that promote positive societal changes.
Since 2011, more than $400,000 in funding has been distributed to winning ventures. But the Fowler GSIC is rewarding to all who participate. Providing hands-on experience, teamwork, skill-building and network connections throughout the year, students are enriched with a lasting social empathy that bolsters their conscience, confidence and career trajectories. For the competition, student teams are asked to select a social or environmental issue of their choice, aligned with advancing one or more of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
What Problem Will You Solve?
We are seeking students who demonstrate a deep understanding of their problem of interest and its causes, the current solution pool, and can identify gaps in current service provisions, including any market opportunities. If you have a problem in mind and an idea to address it, then you could be selected to represent NDSU’s The Nice Center at this year’s challenge. Please fill out our preliminary application at the link below.
What Happens After You Apply?
After our judging panel reviews your application, you may be selected to participate in our secondary round of screening, which focuses on your solution. Two students, or student teams, will be nominated from this round and go on to compete with their idea at the Global Challenge in San Diego.
Who’s Eligible to Compete?
The Fowler GSIC is open to teams comprised of one to five members. At least one team member must be a current undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral student during the 2019- 2020 academic year. The rest of the team can be from any walk of life — from NDSU or another institution or not be a student at all! The competition is open to ventures at any stage, as long as the idea is student-led.
The top two teams from NDSU will come together for the Global Final on June 12–13, 2020, at the University of San Diego. During these two days, student teams will participate in a preliminary pitching round and the judges will shortlist the top teams for the final pitching round. Students may also participate in a poster exhibit prior to the final award ceremony.
Could Your Idea Change The World?
Apply here and find out.
