CALL FOR innovative sustainable solutions IN FVG REGION

This initiative is organized in the framework of the project “Boosting Youth Engagement for Sustainable Innovation”, implemented by UNIDO ITPO Italy with the financial support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region (FVG Region) and aimed at assisting young potential entrepreneurs, and innovators, in developing game-changing and profitable business models by fostering a community of motivated young women and men who regard an inclusive and sustainable green transition as the beginning point for entering global markets, acquiring knowledge, and sharing personal digital and green transformation experiences to build a new entrepreneurial culture.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and urgent action is required to decarbonize our economies and mitigate its effects. With this in mind, a call for innovative sustainable solutions has been launched to spur the development of solutions that can enable large-scale decarbonization while also fostering socio-economic growth.

The objective of this call for ideas is to mobilise the brightest young minds across all sectors from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region to ensure that we can make a significant difference in our fight against climate change.

Its main goal is to find innovative and sustainable solutions from the region to address the challenges posed by climate change, inspire young entrepreneurs and innovators to develop game-changing business models, and make a significant impact on a global scale. The innovative and sustainable solutions could be related to the following themes: green technologies, circular economy, sustainable tourism, smart cities, mobility and sustainable agriculture.

The call for ideas is open to all young potential entrepreneurs, innovators, and students based in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (FVG Region) up to 30 years old, who are interested in making a significant difference in our fight against climate change.

Participation to the initiative is free of charge.

The submissions will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria:

• Impact: how the proposed solution can contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Innovation: how the proposed solution is innovative and different from the existing solutions.
• Sustainability: how the proposed solution is sustainable and can contribute to fight against climate change.
• Feasibility: how the proposed solution is feasible and can be implemented within a reasonable timeframe and budget.
• Profitability: how the proposed solution is profitable and can generate revenue for the entrepreneurs and investors.

The applications sent by admissible candidates by 15^th September 2023 will be submitted to a screening phase and will be considered only if completed in all their parts, in English language, and coherent with the objectives of the Call.

The submission must include the following information:

• A brief description of the proposed solution
• A summary of the background and context
• The competitive advantage of the project and the potential Intellectual Property protection
• The potential impact and benefits of the proposed solution
• An explanation of the innovation and sustainability of the proposed solution
• A plan for the implementation and execution of the proposed solution
• A revenue model and financial projection

The organizers have the faculty to request additional information to complete the candidature, if deemed necessary.

Deadline: The call for ideas will be open from 1^st July 2023 to 15^th September 2023. The results will be announced on 15^th October 2023.

Awards:

First phase:  The Evaluation Committee will identify maximum 25 ideas to be admitted to the first phase. The selected participants (up to 25) will take part trainings and workshops for skills upgrading enterprise development and acceleration in partnership with C-Lab UNITS - the Academy of University of Trieste and other stakeholders.

Second phase: The Evaluation Committee will select the top ten ideas. The selected participants (up to 10) will have the opportunity to participate in twinning exchange programmes in Bahrain and United Arab Emirates (flight and accommodation will be covered for one representative for each selected project/idea).

For any further information regarding this call, please contact: itpo.rome@unido.org and visit the website: Innovation Bridge Trieste Dubai