Silicon Valley-based incubator Singularity University, which focuses on using tech to positively impact “millions of people”, is looking for Canadian entrepreneurs to participate in its SingularityU Global Impact Challenge.
The incubator hosts similar challenges in countries across the world, including Japan, Denmark, Peru, and Costa Rica. The goal of the challenge is broad, and asks participants to submit an idea that improves the standard of living of at least one million Canadians over the next three to five years using exponential technology. However, SingularityU notes that they have a preference for applicants building climate change solutions (such as addressing sustainable food sources, alternative energy sources, biodiversity, governance models for policy, or water access issues).
“Canada has a celebrated history of world-changing innovations in medicine, energy, transportation, food, and technology. We have the talent, drive, dedication, and opportunity to succeed,” SingularityU says on its website. “Our creativity and resourcefulness define us and innovation is a Canadian value. Therefore, let’s rise to the occasion and showcase our innovative solutions to humanity’s biggest challenges and create solutions for millions of people in Canada and beyond.”
The winner will receive a full scholarship at SingularityU’s nine-week Global Solutions program in Mountain View, California. The program works to foster the development of viable for-profit and non-profit startups (for-profit or not-for-profit) that will positively impact the lives of a billion people in 10 years or less.
Applications are due by February 15, and a pitch event and winner announcement will be made in Toronto in April 2017.