How Does It Work
1
Register Your Team (Free)
Use the form below to register your team of 3-5, for free now.
2
Choose SDGs to Address
Choose one or multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address. Choose local, regional or global SDGs.
3
Choose an Initiative
This can be an existing or proposed initiative. We welcome collaboration between students and organizations – it is a perfect opportunity to build your network, gain experience, and solve real issues!
4
Submit a Concept Note (Accepted on a Rolling Basis)
The concept note is your starting point. You have up to three paragraphs to provide us with a general summary of what you are planning to propose. Once you do this, we create coaching sessions to help you through blended finance and other topics. For more guidance go to the “About the Competition” page. Submit your concept note here.
5
Develop a Blended Finance Solution (Submissions due Jan. 23, 2023)
Once you submit your concept note, you will receive a link to the proposal submission site. Your solution should include a three-paragraph summary of your proposal and a presentation slide deck of up to 25 slides. Optional supplements include a two-page narrative describing the proposal and a spreadsheet illustrating the financial and impact details of the proposal.
Am I Eligible?
Any undergraduate and graduate students at a college or university anywhere in the world are eligible!
Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to join in teams of 3-5. We provide resources to learn about blended finance, social equity, impact investing and sustainable finance so you are prepared to put your best solution forward.
Key Dates
Concept note submissions = rolling basis
Once you have submitted a concept note here, we will begin to schedule coaching sessions to help your team.
Create and Submit Your Proposal (by Jan. 23, 2023)
The Finals (Feb. 10 – 11) – Top Eight Proposals compete live with panels of judges
For more details visit the “About” page
Optional: Sign up for one or more information sessions
(Information Session Sign-Up form) You can join these sessions anytime during the periods listed below, you do not need to stay the entire time.
Thursday November 10, 2022: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EST (Zoom Link)
Thursday November 17, 2022: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EST (Zoom Link)
Friday November 18, 2022: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM EST (12:30 PM – 13:00 PM) (Zoom Link)
Monday November 21, 2022: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST (12:00 PM – 13:00 PM) (Zoom Link)
Friday December 2, 2022: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST (12:00 PM – 13:00 PM) (Zoom Link)
Friday December 7, 2022: 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM EST (20:00 PM – 20:45 PM) (Zoom Link)
Judging Criteria
Challenge
Innovation
Scale of Solution
Impact
Sources of Funding
ROI & Risk
Timing
