Fifteen finalists have been selected for the Social Innovation Tournament, a flagship initiative of the Institute’s Social Programme that rewards innovative projects creating social value and combating social exclusion.

The 15 finalists were selected by EIB experts from 282 candidates in 30 countries. The finalists will present their projects at a Final Event in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 20 October, organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, and with the support from the Government of Slovenia.

At the Final Event four prizes will be awarded by a jury, composed of specialists from the academic and business world: General Category and Special Category 1st and 2nd Prizes of EUR 50 000 and EUR 20 000 respectively.  In 2016, the Special Category Prizes will go to projects focusing on health with a special emphasis on childhood obesity.

Over two days in July, the 15 finalists will participate in a mentoring bootcamp in Cascais, Portugal, organised in cooperation with IES-Social Business School where experts on business and social entrepreneurship will offer practical advice to improve all aspects of each project.