The European Commission has launched the 12th edition of the European Social Innovation Competition, which honours social innovation that provides solutions to societal challenges and promotes sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe. This year’s challenge is Digital Democracy and the deadline for submitting applications is 11 June 2024 (4pm in mainland Portugal).

The award is funded by Horizon Europe’s European Innovation Council (EIC) and aims to raise awareness of social innovation through a network of professionals and to support the finalists in turning their ideas into structured businesses, promoting the creation of new innovative ideas.

The prizes have a monetary value of €75,000, €50,000 and €25,000 for first, second and third place respectively. The initiative is aimed at for-profit and non-profit organisations, such as entrepreneurs, social entities, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, universities and educational institutions, based in the Member States or Associated Countries of Horizon Europe.

Applications for the prize will be judged on their degree of innovation; usability and inclusion; positive social impact; viability and sustainability; scalability and replicability; and decentralisation and governance.

Find out more here.