An undeniable catalyst for progress, technological innovation can only reach its full potential if it is supported by a solid, viable business proposition that meets current and future social and environmental needs.
As well as encouraging innovation, Orange also rewards the positive entrepreneurial spirit of dynamic start-ups within the framework of its Social Venture Prize. Since 2011 this International Grand Prix competition has welcomed start-ups from 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East. It identifies, rewards, and supports business propositions that make a positive social and environmental impact.
To encourage sustainable, responsible, and inclusive development, the International Women’s Prize was introduced in 2020, promoting business ventures led by women entrepreneurs.
Phases of the competition
The first phase will take place between June and September: each application will be assessed according to the rules of the national competitions and up to three winners will be selected in each country. The international phase will then begin. An evaluation committee of Orange employees will preselect 10 finalists from the national winners.
In October, these finalists will be evaluated by a grand jury of influential representatives from the African tech world, who will choose the three overall winners of the International Grand Prix.
This jury will also be responsible for choosing the winner of the International Women’s Prize.
International Grand Prix winners:
1st prize: LifeBlood (Sierra Leone)
This digital health platform is designed to address the problem of acute shortages in blood products in the country’s health care delivery system. The system is designed to, among other things: increase public awareness about safe blood services; increase the level of voluntary blood donation in the population; and improve the operating efficiency of facilities administering blood services as well as the National Safe Blood Service.
2nd prize: Biomass For Gas Low Cost (Mali)
The start-up produces and installs a 2.3 m3 mini reactor at the customer’s premises, which includes a two-burner stove equipped with a smart meter and solar panel and connected to the cloud. The logistics team supplies each mini reactor and then collects the waste and also monitors the equipment remotely in real-time. The reactor produces biogas on a continual basis, which can be used for cooking.
3rd prize: Kamioun (Tunisia)
Kamioun is a mobile app to help corner shops improve their supply chain. The start-up offers a single interface to connect small retailers in Tunisia with 500+ FMCG products and delivers within 24 hours across Tunis.
Location:
MoroccoBenefits
Awards International Grand Prix
- 1st prize: €25,000
- 2nd prize: €15,000
- 3rd prize: €10,000
The 10 finalists in the OSVP International Grand Prix and the winner of the International Women’s Prize will also receive 6 to 9 months of business development support.
International Women’s Prize
- Winner: €20,000
Eligibilities
Candidates must:
- Be 21 years and over
- Present a social entrepreneurship project based on NICT (New Information and Communication Technologies)
- The candidates must present a project that involves at least one of the 17 countries
Application Process
- 1st step – Make sure you’re eligible to participate in the #2023OSVP.
- 2nd step – Create your account on poesam.orange.com
- 3rd step – Prepare the necessary documents to complete your application form
- 4th step – Fill out the application form
Registration process:
- Create your account (identity, country of residence, contact details, etc.)
- Read the application guide and describe your business project (country, sector, pitch, etc.)
- Confirm and send your application
Plan your application;
To make your application even easier, gather your supporting information in advance (for example, your logo or presentation) and prepare three supporting statements:
- Define the problem you wish to solve (max. 200 characters)
- Describe your proposed solution (max. 200 characters)
- Create a pitch presentation (max. 1,500 characters)
Application Deadline: May 21, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
