We are pleased to announce that the application for the 2023 Youth Innovation Essay Prize competition is now open.
The Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town, in collaboration with Douglas Knowledge Partners, is delighted to announce the third annual Youth Innovation Essay Prize. This contest invites young minds to contribute their innovative ideas that could pave the way for South Africa’s prosperous future.
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 30, and have a revolutionary idea that can shape South Africa’s future, we invite you to submit a 1,500–2,000-word essay detailing your concept. This year, we’re focusing on the theme, “Innovations for Planetary Health.”
Innovation for Planetary Health
We’re eager to hear your thoughts on promoting human health, social justice, and environmental sustainability, all while preserving the environment. Your essay could describe a new business model that safeguards our natural resources and biodiversity, a nonprofit or public sector innovation that tackles local climate risks, or a creative endeavor that deepens our understanding of South Africa’s natural heritage.
We’re looking for ideas that would empower South Africans, including the youth, to thrive, while also benefiting global communities. Be creative and surprising, yet practical. Show us in detail how health and the environment are interconnected, and how your idea could work within the South African context and beyond.
Benefits
This competition is more than a contest; it’s an opportunity for growth. Entrants with the most promising essays will receive mentorship from our social innovation and writing experts. This support will help you to enhance your essay, and your writing and thinking skills.
Shortlisted participants will also gain exposure to the Bertha Centre, Douglas Knowledge Partners, and other organizations in our network, all of which are interested in engaging with talented individuals. This exposure could lead to job opportunities, freelance roles, or further study. Prizes of up to R20,000 are also available.
Eligibility
- You must be aged between 18 and 30.
- Your essay should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
- Please read the “advice to entrants” carefully before you submit your essay.
- Finalists from previous Youth Innovation Prize competitions cannot enter this year.
Competition Procedure
- Stage 1: Open for entries (9 June 2023 – 31 July 2023) – Entrants submit their essays, and the most promising will be selected for the next stage.
- Stage 2: Mentorship and development (14 August 2023 – 12 September 2023) – Selected entrants receive coaching on how to improve their essays.
- Stage 3: Round two of submissions (26 September 2023) – Shortlisted participants submit their final essays.
- Stage 4: Winners chosen (27 September 2023 – 10 October 2023) – A diverse panel of judges reviews the entries and selects the winners.
- Stage 5: Celebration for the finalists (Date to be determined) – At a grand awards ceremony, the top three winners will be awarded a total of R20,000 in prizes.
How to Apply
Submit your essay outlining an innovative idea to tackle environmental changes and improve planetary health via the submission form on the Youth Innovation website. Your essay should detail a single innovation, provide concrete and relevant examples, and explain its potential impact in South Africa and globally. Please email a copy of your ID and your essay to youth.innovation@douglas.partners.
Application Dates
The competition opened for entries from 9 June 2023 and will close on 31 July 2023.
