Application for Youth Innovators in SDGs ends February 10, 2023

By Alexander Chiejina

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth] Solutions Programme is inviting applications for the 2023 Investment Readiness Programme (IRP) – a 16-week accelerator programme that prepares young social entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-35 from across the globe for investment readiness to create viable and sustainable solutions.

The programme will support them in implementing and scaling these solutions through one-on-one mentorship, curated training, peer-to-peer networking, and other opportunities to foster youth innovation. This year’s IRP is its sixth edition and will occur between May 2023 and August 2023.

To be eligible for the IRP, innovators must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Represent an early-stage innovator

• For-profit SDG-focused startup or social enterprise

• The venture must be a registered organisation in its country of operations

• Participants must be between 18-35 years of age throughout the year

• Ventures may be requested to submit proof of registration status

Early-stage Venture Criteria for Pre-Series B are as follows:

• Must have a minimum viable product or service

• Founded less than six years ago and employs less than 100 people (excluding volunteers)

• Such a venture must have just entered the market.

• Qualifies as one of pre-commercialization (yet to generate revenue) or product-launch or pilot within the last two years.

Applicants will be shortlisted by a selection committee of industry professionals and be contacted to participate in an interview. This application process is competitive and only a limited number of spots will be offered in the programme. Only shortlisted applicants (those invited to interviews) will be contacted.