Ashoka/HSBC Green Changemakers Challenge 2023

Application Deadline: April 26, 2023

Ashoka and HSBC are collaborating for the third year, to launch the ‘Green Changemakers Challenge.’ This global innovation challenge is open to changemakers with solutions that are equipping others with the mindset and capabilities to contribute towards building a sustainable and equitable world.

The Green Changemakers Challenge will support those individuals helping people and communities find the role they can play in tackling the climate crisis and making sure no one is left out of this process. The Challenge will award innovators with up to $25,000 of grant funding from a total prize fund of $225,000, and the opportunity to participate in a learning journey alongside HSBC and Ashoka team members.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply:

• Your venture must be at an early- or mid- stage. Late-stage ventures (over 6 years of operations and/or profitability) will not be eligible for selection in this challenge
• You must be 18 or above at the time of submitting this application
• If your solution has not been implemented at scale; you must have a clear business plan and a minimum-viable solution (prototype, pilot, or another proof of concept)
• If your venture is not incorporated yet (as a non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid organization); you must be close to incorporation in the near future
• Entries will only be accepted in English (winners will be expected to engage in activities that require English proficiency)
• We are open to entries from the following 34 countries: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vietnam

Benefits
Early Entry applicants (those who apply on or before March 29) will: 

1. Receive Ashoka’s feedback on how to improve their application before the Final entry deadline
2. 3 participants from this group will be selected to receive a $1,500 prize each and will be featured on a social media post
   
   All eligible applicants will:
   1. Receive feedback from Ashoka and/or HSBC representatives
   2. Have a chance to connect with a community of green changemakers through this Challenge
      
      All semi-finalists (up to 60) will:
   1. Have a chance to refine their applications and incorporate feedback received in the screening phase
   2. Be celebrated as semi-finalists in the announcement communications
      
      All finalists (up to 25) will:
      Have a chance to be evaluated by a panel of expert judges and receive feedback.
      The challenge will have up to 12 winners, who will be selected to represent the diversity of applications received from the 3 focus areas and geographic regions. The Challenge Team will decide funding amounts awarded to each winner. Winning applications will:
      – Receive a minimum $15,000 and up to $25,000 cash prize
      – Have the opportunity to participate in a learning journey & mentoring programme alongside HSBC and Ashoka team members, to help scale your solution.

Timeline:

• March 1: Challenge opens (During this time, participants may submit entries, edit, and resubmit until the entry deadline)
• March 29: Early Entry deadline
• April 26: Final entry deadline; and Early Entry winners announced
• April & May: Application screening and feedback
• May 31: Semifinalists announced
• May 31 to June 12: Application refining
• June 12 to July 5: Shortlisting
• July: Judges review and due diligence
• 1st week of August: Winner announcement/Event
• August to December: Funding and winner support

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Ashoka/HSBC Green Changemakers Challenge 2023