If you can create impact you must. Fifteen finalists have been selected for the 2019 edition of the Social Innovation Tournament, the flagship initiative of the Institute’s Social Programme recognising and supporting Europe’s best social entrepreneurs.

The 15 finalists, whose primary purpose is to generate a social, ethical or environmental impact, were selected from 168 candidates in 27 countries by EIB Group experts.

Over three days in July, the 15 high impact ventures, from 11 countries, will participate in a mentoring bootcamp in Amarante, Portugal, organised in cooperation with social incubator IRIS and IES-Social Business School.

There, experts on business and social entrepreneurship will offer practical advice to improve all aspects of each project and prepare them to pitch their venture at a Final Event in Dublin, Ireland, on 24 October.

At the Final Event, four prizes will be awarded by a jury composed of specialists from the academic and business worlds: General Category and Special Category 1st and 2nd Prizes of EUR 50 000 and EUR 20 000 respectively.

In 2019, the Special Category Prizes will go to projects focusing on sustainable consumption and sustainable production (SDG 12) including the circular economy.