The European Social Innovation Competition has opened its 11th edition for applications under the theme “fighting energy poverty – Repower EU.”

The prize, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe, aims to promote social innovation as a powerful approach to solving societal challenges and fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe.

The competition is open to social innovators from EU Member States and associated countries, with three awards worth €50,000 each for the best social innovation projects designed to tackle the competition challenge.
The application deadline is May 30th, 2023.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, emphasizes the importance of social innovation in addressing societal challenges, particularly in the fight against energy poverty. Social innovation can support health, wellbeing, social inclusion, and quality of life for vulnerable citizens and SMEs, and benefit EU society at large.

To evaluate social innovation applications, independent experts will consider the degree of innovation, impact, viability, scalability, and replicability. The European Social Innovation Competition is one of the five EIC Prizes granted under Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation framework program.

The European Social Innovation Competition has attracted a great number of applicants each year. Its past editions covered topics such as affordable housing, skills for a green and digital future, challenging plastic waste, and more. If you have an innovative idea that can change the world for the better, don’t miss your chance to apply!

Find out more on the European Innovation Council website.