The Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Program at the University of Cambridge is pleased to announce the Launch of the 2024 Social Innovation Entrepreneurship Competition. The goal of the social innovation entrepreneurship competition is to support entrepreneurial ventures by Mastercard Foundation Scholars that have a strong social or environmental impact. This competition which will be run annually by the Program aims to encourage scholars interested in entrepreneurship develop innovative solutions to social or environmental challenges on the continent of Africa.
As part of the competition, scholars will be provided a platform to showcase their ideas and receive support to develop their ventures.
A first prize award of $15,000 will be offered to the winning entry following the pitching. The Judging panel may also make other discretionary financial awards based on merit (for up to $15,000).
Eligibility Criteria
1. You may enter the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Entrepreneurship Prize as an individual or as part of a team.
2. Eligible teams may have up to four members.
3. There must be a designated Team Lead, who must be a current member of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Cambridge (2023 intake).
4. The (proposed) venture must be based in the African continent.
5. During the active competition, all competition communications will be sent to the Team Lead and all submissions should be sent from the Team Lead.
6.Participation in this competition should not be prioritised above existing academic commitments and the terms of study at the University of Cambridge.
Entries
1. Submissions must be the lawful and the original work of the entrant/s. It is the responsibility of the entrant/s to ensure that the content of their submissions do not infringe the rights of any third party. Permissions must be obtained from third parties if required.
2. Submissions must be A4 printable PDFs, no longer than 4 pages and must be sent alongside the 2024 entry form to collaborative@mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk.
3.The deadline for Business Idea submissions is 12.00 on Wednesday 22 May 2024. Entrants will be notified whether their Business Idea has been shortlisted or not by Friday 31 May 2024.
ONLY THOSE SHORTLISTED AT STAGE ONE WILL PROCEED TO STAGE TWO