15 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 Group experts from 308 candidates in 31 countries.

Over two days in June, the 15 finalists will participate in a mentoring bootcamp in Cluj, Romania, organised in cooperation with WOW Media and Ruby Tribe, and where experts on business and social entrepreneurship will offer practical advice on improving all aspects of each project and prepare them to present their projects at a Final Event in Riga, Latvia, on 21 September. 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 2017, the Special Category Prizes will go to projects focusing on ageing.