I’m pleased to share that the semi-finalists for the 2012 Dell Social Innovation Challenge have been announced. As we get one step closer to the final event this summer and one step closer to making a true impact on the world around us through technology and innovation, I’m inspired once again by the creative project ideas that have made it to this stage of the challenge.
From more than 1,500 entries, 202 projects were selected as semifinalists. These projects possess the qualities that embody Dell’s corporate responsibility efforts – powering the possible through innovation, technology, and the drive to enable human potential. From striving to provide access to clean water for residents in urban slums, to tackling poverty and financial literacy and awareness among youth, each project demonstrates hard work, ingenuity and the determination to create social change around the world.
Our 202 semi-finalists will receive 1:1 mentoring with certified DSIC mentors to refine their project pages, video pitch, and project roadmap with the hopes of becoming one of five 2012 DSIC finalists who will be flown to Austin, Texas to compete for $105,000 in cash prizes.
Now in its sixth year, what started as a small, national competition aimed at encouraging university students to share their innovative and world-changing ideas, is now a thriving global community of ambitious, young social entrepreneurs representing more than 90 different countries. To-date, more than 58,000 public profiles have been created in our online community, with students, faculty members and entrepreneurs alike actively organizing around one primary goal – to change the world.
Do you want to change the world? Start here. There is no idea too big or too small. Though our semi-finalists have already been selected, we are still accepting applications and project ideas for our People’s Choice Awards.
Create and upload your project and profile by May 13th for the chance to win over $17,000 in prizes to help bring your innovative ideas to life. You can also vote for your favorite People’s Choice Project here.
Congratulations to all of our semi-finalists and to all challenge participants!
Photo: 2011 Dell Social Innovation Challenge Winners.