social skin 2.0 contest offers funding for early-stage startups
Contxto – Grupo Bolívar is providing funding opportunities for startups in Colombia and Central America that are pushing for a positive change in the world.
Through its “Social Skin 2.0” contest, selected startups will receive between US$7,000 to US$12,000 to further develop their businesses or products. The amount depends on the phase in which the startup finds itself.
And as usual, the winners will also have access to mentoring opportunities.
Anyone interested in applying has until March 15 to do so.
Social Skin 2.0 requirements
This competition takes the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as its reference point.
Consequently, startups’ projects must be applied within one of the following categories:
- Health and well-being
- Quality education
- Inclusion and poverty reduction
- Transparency, justice, and zero-corruption
- Helping the environment
- Sustainable cities and communities
In addition, to apply, the startup must fulfill the following requirements:
- Have at least two participating members
- Applicants must be up to 32 years old
- Be operating in Colombia or Central America
Besides filling out an online form (available here), applicants must also submit a three minute video presenting their project.
Early-stage startups or startups with a working prototype are eligible to receive US$7,000. Meanwhile, startups looking to scale are granted US$12,000 if chosen.
So it’s fantastic to see startups that apply are indirectly contributing to these SDGs through innovative solutions.
Old organizations adopting new technology
The United Nations was founded for the post-World War II era.
And while I’m a critic of its structure and its need for some serious updating, it’s pleasing to know that the UN is at least adopting innovative tech.
As of late, this global organization has been using blockchain for its SDGs and greater accountability. For example, to track the supply chain of cocoa in Ecuador.
UNICEF is also now accepting donations in the form of bitcoins and ether through its Cryptocurrency Fund, launched in October of last year. And through it, the organization funds blockchain technology around the planet.
Related articles: Tech and startups from Central America!
-ML
