Before you apply, confirm that you meet the criteria for consideration described above.
Step #1: Add/Update your innovation on GIE via the STI Forum site
See instructions here on how to add or update an innovation profile.
Step #2: Submit your innovation for consideration for the STI Forum 2019
Fill out this form for submission as soon as possible. You can then continue to update your profile until March 9, 2020.
Step #3: Strengthen Your Innovation Profile
Reviewers will only do additional research to validate the facts presented in your application. Your innovation profile must demonstrate that it meets the Call criteria. Review the below list of actions and tips for each criterion.
Innovations will be submitted to the Call using GIE's innovation profiles and will be publicly featured in GIE’s searchable Innovation Directory here. This brings additional exposure and opportunities for all innovators who are submitting their applications for the Call.
The below actions and tips serve as application instructions and suggestions respectively for the Call.
CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION | ACTIONS & TIPS FOR APPLICANTS | |
1 | You haven't already submitted an innovation for consideration for the STI Forum 2020. Only one innovation should be submitted per person. Each innovator, scientist, entrepreneur, or sustainability change agent is only allowed to submit one innovation for consideration. If more than one innovation is submitted, all applications will be declared ineligible. | Action: Only submit ONE innovation via the Submission form in step 2 of the application process noted above. |
2 | Your innovation has not been showcased at past STI Forum events. See the list here. If your innovation has already been featured at past events, it will not be selected again this year. | Tip: You can update your innovation profile by logging in here or explore the other benefits of GIE for social entrepreneurs. |
3 | Your innovation is aligned with one or more of the six “entry points” identified in the Global Sustainable Development Report:
| Your GIE innovation profile should clearly demonstrate 1 or more entry points that your innovation aligns with using fields such as:
Important: Profiles with the limited information that require additional research may not be considered for the Call. Actions:
|
4 | Innovations should embody “systems thinking” in the context of one or more of the entry points listed above. The above 6 entry points represent systems where strategic interventions can help address some of the trade-offs or tensions among goals that could hinder progress in achieving the 2030 Agenda. For example, increasing food security without undermining terrestrial biodiversity will require policies and actions that work across sectors and constituencies. Considering food and nutrition as a system can help lead toward these solutions. You can review the Global Sustainable Development Report to learn more about this. For example, you can use Box 1 - 2: Interactions among Sustainable Development Goals on page 6, to see the trade-offs and co-benefits to be harnessed across multiple SDGs that might be relevant to your innovation. | Same as above, your GIE innovation profile should clearly demonstrate that your innovation embodies systems thinking in its approach and implementation using relevant fields such as:
Action: Update the relevant fields. Tip: You can use the same fields to demonstrate qualifications for multiple criteria. |
5 | The innovations should emphasize concrete action and transformative results. | Your innovation must demonstrate an emphasis on concrete action and transformative results. On GIE this means your innovation must be at ‘Stage 4: Transition to Scale’ or later stages. Update your profile to demonstrate that you meet this criterion. Actions:
Tip: Throughout your profile, include external links where asked, mention proof of necessary regulatory approval, attach third-party evaluations and other information that help demonstrate the legitimacy and success of your innovation. |
6 | Innovations should also be especially targeted at assisting the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalized. | Action: Fill in the Target Beneficiaries field to explain whom you aim to serve with your innovation. |
7 | Innovations are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, including women, youth, indigenous peoples, entrepreneurs from developing countries, and open collaborative networks. | Actions:
|
FINAL CHECKLIST
In summary, complete the following GIE innovation profile fields to strengthen your chances for consideration:
And, don’t forget to submit the form in Step 2 above for consideration!
The STI Forum 2020 Call for Innovations is initiated by the United Nations in collaboration with Global Innovation Exchange. The call will be open and accepting applications until Tuesday, March 9, 2020.