The Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (OSVP) has become a reference and has passed the 10-year mark by entering its 11th edition.
Every year, it rewards the best technological projects with a positive impact in Africa and the Middle East. The competition is organized in two stages: first a national competition in 17 countries; then an international jury selects the winners of the Grand Prix.
For the second consecutive year, Orange will reward more start-ups with the International Women’s Prize worth €20,000. This prize will reward any project carried by a woman or aimed at improving women’s living conditions.
About Orange Social Venture
An undeniable catalyst for progress, technological innovation can only reach its full potential if it is supported by a solid, viable business proposition that meets current and future social and environmental needs.
As well as encouraging innovation, Orange also rewards the positive entrepreneurial spirit of dynamic start-ups within the framework of its Social Venture Prize. Since 2011 this International Grand Prix competition has welcomed start-ups from 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
It identifies, rewards, and supports business propositions that make a positive social and environmental impact.
To encourage sustainable, responsible, and inclusive development, the International Women’s Prize was introduced in 2020, promoting business ventures led by women entrepreneurs.
Aim and Benefits of Orange Social Venture Prize
For the International Grand Prix, awards are as follows:
- 1st prize: the payment of an amount of €25,000 (twenty-five thousand
- euros).
- 2nd prize: the payment of an amount of €15,000 (fifteen thousand
- euros).
- 3rd prize: the payment of an amount of €10,000 (ten thousand euros).
For the International Women’s Prize, the award is as follows:
- The payment of an amount of €20,000 (twenty thousand euros) funded by the Group Diversity and Inclusion Department.
Furthermore, support will be proposed to the 10 International Grand Prix
shortlisted finalists (including the 3 prizewinners) and the winner of the International Women’s Prize. Support will be offered in the form of quarterly telephone/video meetings during which the winners will present a progress report.
They will benefit from advice given by business and finance professionals. If the award is attributed to a team, it will be awarded to the Project team leader who filled in the entry form.
If the prize is awarded to an organisation, it will be given to the legal
representative of the organisation.
Requirements for Orange Social Venture Prize Qualification
Candidates must:
- Be 21 years and over
- Present a social entrepreneurship project based on NICT (New Information and Communication Technologies)
- The candidates must present a project that involves at least one of the 17 countries
International Women’s Prize:
Projects eligible for the International Women’s Prize are identified using two filters when candidates register their Project online: the Project must be led by a women or propose a technological solution to improve women’s lives.
Projects that are eligible for the International Grand Prix may also qualify for the International Women’s Prize, as long as they meet the identification criteria mentioned above.
The grand jury has the final decision on nominating the overall winner of the International Women’s Prize within the Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East
Interview date, Process and Venue for Orange Social Venture Prize
Selection: The Orange Social Venture Prize includes two stages; first, a local phase that takes place between March and June in the 17 Orange subsidiaries.
The countries then each choose three prizewinners. During the second phase, the winners from each country compete with each other. An international jury consisting of representatives of the Orange start-up ecosystem then meet to decide on the international POESAM prizewinners.
The three (3) national winners will qualify automatically, without the need to resubmit their Project, for the International Grand Prix, organised by Orange MEA.
The grand jury has the final decision on nominating the 3 prizewinners for the Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East.
Documents Required for Application
To make your application even easier, gather your supporting information in advance (for example, your logo or presentation) and prepare three supporting statements:
- Define the problem you wish to solve (max. 200 characters)
- Describe your proposed solution (max. 200 characters)
- Create a pitch presentation (max. 1,500 characters)
Application Deadline
March 21, 2023
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to Orange Social Venture on poesam.orange.com to apply!
For more details, visit Orange website
