Changemakers Seed Fund - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS!

By Daniel Ogunlana 4min read

NOTE: The new 2023 launch can be found here.

Do you want to change the world?

Are you building -  or planning to build - an enterprise, product, initiative, campaign, or creative project that will help move us to a more just, sustainable and regenerative future? Do you want to do this collaboratively? And with the support of able, committed mentors?

The 'Changemakers Seed Initiative’ Fund will grant £1000-£2000 for initiatives led by Homerton students!

Grants will be made for establishing a social enterprise or business, supporting an existing start-up or project, developing creative projects or campaigns, or supporting research towards a new enterprise. Proposed projects must be focused on increasing public good and societal impact, and reflect the values of Homerton Changemakers - building collaborative efforts towards more sustainable, just, regenerative systems and futures. Wherever possible you’re encouraged to explore the possibility of using technology to achieve your aims (but not necessarily developing the technology itself).

The fund is explicitly to support ventures at the start up stage, where seed funding of this kind will make a substantive difference to the likely success of your project/product: eg: a new or existing start-up, social enterprise, or collaboration poised for success.

 

Process

Apply by 26 May

Winning Groups announced 8 June

Winning groups will be supported by intensive mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders from our industry partner Cambridge Wireless: you'll also have support throughout the process with a Briefing Day (13 June), and the opportunity to showcase your project (30 September) in front of senior members of Cambridge's innovation eco-system, academic colleagues and Changemaker peers.

The judging panel will include members of the Changemakers Team, Homerton Fellows and industry members from the Cambridge Wireless ecosystem.

 

How to Apply

Complete this form  and email a 2 minute pitch video to changemakers@homerton.cam.ac.uk by 26 May 2022, 5pm.

For more on the application process, timelines and requirements see Changemakers Seed Fund 2022 

 

Eligibility

At time of application, the lead applicant must be a current Homerton student or current Homerton Changemakers Student Ambassador. Project teams must comprise at least 2 people (max. 6) and can include people from other Colleges and organisations.  Team members don't have to be current Homerton students or ambassadors.

The lead applicant must have attended at least 5 hours of Changemakers events over the last 2 years (mentoring, residentials, workshops, conversations).

You're encouraged to book a 1:1 appointment with the Changemakers team before applying to check eligibility and scope of the proposed project.

All winning teams must be available for a Project Briefing Day (June 13) and Showcase Day (Sep 30)

 

Useful info and dates

  1. Applicants can request between £1K - £2K per project. The budget can be used for expenses (travel expenses, to test specific aspects of technology, to buy technology, to develop materials, to run a campaign, to undertake a specific project with another partner organisation, or to pay interviewers or researchers. Funds may NOT be used solely as travel grants, to cover regular living expenses, or to pay for time whilst volunteering.
  2. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 26 May 2022, 5pm. Late applications will not be dealt with.
  3. Applications must be from a team of at least two people (max. 6)
  4. All successful groups will be informed by 8 June 2022
  5. All successful project group members will be required to complete a pre-project, mid-project and post-project survey; and as a group submit a post-project report (by 15 Oct 22)
  6. Projects may also be featured on Changemakers social media, website and reports.

For more details on the application process see Changemakers Seed Fund 2022 

 

Inspirations and Sources

See 'Everyone a Changemaker', Ashoka for stories, guidance & inspiration from changemaking initiatives around the world

Visit the Skoll Centre Blog (Saïd Business School, Oxford) blog for excellent examples of initiatives that make a difference; how to's; and sound examples of thinking about problem domains and responses 

 

 

Info about CW (Cambridge Wireless) 

CW is the leading international community for companies involved in the research, development and application of wireless and mobile, internet, semiconductor and software technologies.

With an active community of over 1000 businesses ranging from major network operators and device manufacturers to innovative start-ups and universities, CW stimulates debate and collaboration, harnesses and shares knowledge, and helps to build connections between academia and industry.

CW’s 20 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide its members with a dynamic forum where they can network with their peers, track the latest technology trends and position their organisations in key market sectors. The CW team organise major conferences and competitions along with intimate industry networking events and dinners. They have built and run a private 5G network and accelerator in the Cambridge Science Park and also deliver bespoke R&D programmes.

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