UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge 2018: Applications Open

Submit your application for the 2018 UpPrize BNY Mellon Social Innovation Challenge!

The UpPrize: BNY Mellon Social Innovation Challenge is helping southwestern Pennsylvania nonprofits, for-profit, and social entrepreneurs create positive social returns with purpose-driven innovation.

The challenge: UpPrize is looking for ideas and solutions that will improve nonprofit service delivery and/or the lives of vulnerable populations in southwestern Pennsylvania through impactful technology.

Who can apply: Community residents, nonprofits, startups, entrepreneurs, companies, and students based in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Two competitions: Each competition is based on your innovation stage of development. See the requirements for each competition below to see which one you fit into.

Two Competitions

Great Ideas Competition: Applications Open March 1 – April 15

All great solutions start with an idea! UpPrize is looking for innovative ideas that leverage technology. In this competition you don’t need to have a team in place. What you do need is an idea that, with the proper team in place, could be developed within 18 months.

Awards: 3 winners will be awarded $5,000 and support to take your idea to the next step.

Great Solutions Competition: Applications Open May 7 – June 21

This competition is targeting entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, and existing companies that have developed a prototype, an existing product or service. In this competition, UpPrize is looking for innovations that can be scaled within 18 months.

Awards: All 5 finalists receive $10,000 in grants.

1st Place – $150,000
2nd Place – $100,000
3rd Place – $50,000

What’s Next?

Attend one of UpPrize’s information sessions to learn more about the application, eligibility, timeline, tips and get your questions answered.
Apply! Share some basic information about your idea or solution and upload a short video (optional but recommended). Please refer to the application dates above for when you can apply. Visit their website for resources to help you through the application process and contact UpPrize if you have questions or need help.