Innovation is a sign of growth, and the social services sector thrives on new and more efficient way of delivering services. A constant effort to innovate must not go unrecognised, therefore, the European Investment Bank Institute (EIB) has opened applications for the Social Innovation Tournament (SIT) that promotes innovative ideas and rewards initiatives that contribute to creating social, ethical or environmental impact in Europe.

Send in your applications here.

The tournament runs in two rounds with a Selection Committee comprised mainly of EIB Group experts in innovation, the environment, and other relevant disciplines who will finalise 15 applicants from the total pool of applicants.

The finalists participate in a tailor-made training programme (Mentoring Bootcamp, e-training on pitching and communication techniques, Rehearsal Bootcamp) to provide them with the necessary guidance to finalise their proposals and prepare them for the Pitching Competition where all the finalists have to present and defend their project to a jury of social innovation specialists.

All finalists end up becoming a part of the SIT Alumni Network and receive benefits such as:

1. Training and capacity building opportunities
2. Access to human and financial resources (e.g. a network of EIB Group experts and SITolarships, an innovation grants programme)
3. Recognition and visibility via speaking at conferences around Europe to network with investors, venture philanthropists and foundations who can help their project to scale)