Build a sustainable future for Europe
The future of Europe depends on our ability to change all areas of our lives towards sustainability. Young, aspiring students will be affected most by the choices we make today. You are a Bachelor student and want to pitch an innovative idea that could solve concrete problems on our way to sustainability in Europe? Join the ICN Sustainable Innovation Award!
What do you have to do?
Take a few friends, record a pitch of your concept, develop it, challenge it, benefit from the expertise of our international jury and trainers, and win a cash prize and mentoring to kick-start your project!
What do you get?
The best 8 teams will enter the final round of the competition on our campus in Berlin in June. In the course of a two-day event, each team will be provided with coaching and training in pretotyping and pitching to prepare their final presentation. The best 3 teams receive prize money for realizing their sustainable innovations, continuous and personal coaching by international peers well-versed in technology, arts and management in the 3 months after the win to kickstart their project, and gain access to a network of sustainability enthusiasts.
What do we understand with "sustainable"?
In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly set up 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) as “a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all” (General resolution adopted in 2017). The SDGs include a wide variety of problems, from poverty to hunger, climate change, the protection of species, access to clean water, or the defense of peace and justice.
What do you get from this event?
- The opportunity to pitch and test your ideas to international experts and mentors
- Meet peers in Berlin and benefit from free trainings and workshops with experts on innovation and entrepreneurship
- 3 months personal coaching to work further on their idea for the winning team
- Prize money: 1st place: 2.000€, 2nd place: 1.000€, 3rd place: 500€
- Networking with other participants, experts and coaches
- A fantastic time in Berlin, the capital of sustainable innovation
- Please note that each team can apply for a travel grant of up to 500€
Interested? Discover how to participate!
1. Your team must include 4 members max. All members must be enrolled as Bachelor students as of March 2023.
2. Prepare a 4 minutes video to pitch your idea following the five questions mentioned below.
3. Upload the video on TikTok, Youtube or Instagram using the hashtag: #icnbs
4. Send us the link to your video here
5. The application form closes on March 31 2023, at 11:59 pm.
6. Your video should address the following five questions:
a. What is the problem you want to tackle?
b. Why do you take a personal interest in this problem?
c. What are the causes commonly attributed to the problem?
d. How does your team’s solution contribute to address the problem?
e. How is your solution original?
7. You receive feedback on your idea by April 30. The 8 best teams have then the opportunity to join us in June in Berlin for free training and coaching sessions prior to defending their idea in front of our expert jury. In the meantime, we will provide regular coaching sessions to help you to develop your proposal.
Got a question?
Our partners
This event is supported by:
