3 Early Trends from the 2023 Green Changemakers Challenge

The Green Changemakers Challenge, a collaborative initiative between Ashoka and HSBC, marks the third year of the two organizations coming together with a renewed focus on identifying solutions building a sustainable and equitable world. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the data collected from applicants who submitted their applications before the close of the early entry window on March 29, 2023. We also shed light on the key findings and aspirations of the challenge, while celebrating the early entry winners who exemplify the spirit of green changemaking. 

The Three Key Focus Areas: 

The Green Changemakers Challenge revolves around three essential areas of focus, each aiming to address critical aspects of climate change: 

1. Firstly, inclusive pathways for people to contribute were sought, with a focus on engaging historically marginalized groups. 
2. Secondly, the challenge aimed to amplify the impact of data and information by transforming them into compelling narratives that inspire action. 
3. Finally, the challenge sought to establish support structures for existing solutions, fostering their growth, visibility, and honoring traditional knowledge from communities that have safeguarded our natural resources.

Seeking Green Changemakers: 

To evaluate the applications, the Green Changemakers Challenge focuses on specific criteria. 

• Connection and commitment played a vital role, as applicants needed to demonstrate their dedication to green changemaking and community engagement. 
• We also looked at how the innovators activate and empower other green changemakers to drive sustainable solutions. 
• Additionally, impact was a key consideration, with emphasis placed on solutions that contribute to a zero-carbon world while showcasing evidence of socio-environmental impact. 
• The challenge also prioritized innovation, seeking original and creative approaches that could inspire widespread change. 
• Finally, operational viability was assessed, ensuring that initiatives were feasible, scalable, adaptable, and supported by adequate resources. 

Insights from Early Entry Applications: 

During the early entry phase, a total of 226 applications were received, reflecting an average of five applications per day for the first 27 days of the early entry window. Remarkably, 101 submissions were received within the last two days, with 76 of them being completed on the final day. This pattern of a surge in applications just before the deadline is consistent with previous challenges. 

Regional Distribution and Project Stages: 

Applicants hailed from various regions worldwide, with Africa and the Middle East leading the way with 97 submissions, followed by South and East Asia (64), the Americas and the Caribbean (35), and Europe and Oceania (30).

In terms of project stages, 38 applicants were at the idea stage, 86 were piloting their solutions, 86 were in the growth stage, 6 were scaling their projects, and 10 had established initiatives.

Alignment with Focus Areas: 

Applicants were asked to self-report which focus area their projects aligned with, with the option to select multiple areas. Among the applicants, 59 aligned with creating inclusive pathways for people to contribute, 37 aligned with creating structures of support for regenerative solutions, and 5 aligned with turning data and information into inspiring stories. 

Additionally, it was encouraging to see 52 applicants addressing both inclusive pathways and support structures, while 24 projects aligned with all three focus areas, showcasing multi-solving approaches to tackling climate challenges. 

Celebrating Early Entry Winners: 

Amidst the wealth of exceptional applications, we announced the three early entry winners of the Green Changemakers Challenge. Each winner will receive $1500 to further support their endeavors. These exceptional individuals embody the values and aspirations of green changemakers, and their remarkable ideas are poised to make a real impact in building a more sustainable and equitable world. You can learn more about the innovations here.

The early entry phase of the Green Changemakers Challenge has provided valuable insights into the global movement of green innovation. With a diverse array of applications from various regions and stages, the ambition to create a sustainable and equitable world while making sure no one is left out of this process is a key driver for these innovations.

Click here to explore the inspiring solutions shared on the 2023 Green Changemakers Challenge.