The IdeaSpace Challenge

October 9, 2008 by RootSpaceOnline

Bringing light to Lebanese Innovation
IdeaSpace is an initiative of RootSpace to foster open collaboration and problem solving around critical needs in social, economic, and environmental development.  IdeaSpace aims to bring together a wide variety of minds and partners from civil society, the private sector, government, education, and individuals to brainstorm and refine new approaches and opportunities in addressing critical needs.

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 17-23, 2008), the IdeaSpace Challenge will include a time-sensitive competition focused on major social and environmental issues that impact Lebanon, the Middle East, and the entire Planet. The 2008 IdeaSpace Challenge will be based around core challenges facing Lebanon, such as:
• Clean, sustainable, affordable, and reliable ENERGY.
• Conserving and making available WATER that is safe, affordable, and accessible for all.
• Overcoming poverty and promoting ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, especially amongst heavily disadvantaged populations, including those in rural areas, women, people with disabilities, displaced populations, and more.
• Breaking down the digital divide and improving CONNECTIVITY by addressing financial, technological, geographic, skill/education, and other barriers.

Challenge Kickoff: The week before GEW-Lebanon we will announce full details of the challenges and the full competition. This might include specific requirements for factors such as cost, location, materials, durability and construction. After the announcements and as part of GEW activities, we will host panel discussions and workshops with experts covering the different challenge themes.  We then invite all people to participate in a number of simultaneous brainstorm sessions, each tackling a specific challenge area. This will be an opportunity for potential entrants to explore the real issues surrounding each challenge, connect with experts and build teams.

Challenge Deadline: Teams will have until 5pm on Friday, November 21st to submit an entry online or by email, and may enter as many challenges as they wish. Entries will be simple 1-2 page concept papers, accepted from teams anywhere in the world, but at least one team-member must be a Lebanese citizen.

Challenge Awards: On Sunday, November 23rd, at the conclusion of Global Entrepreneurship Week, we will announce the winners of each of the challenges at an event in downtown Beirut. Each winning team will receive a cash prize (tentatively set at USD$500), a trophy, opportunities to meet potential investors, and substantial coverage online and in the local print media.

Stimulating Open Innovation: As a means to stimulate discussion, collaboration and further innovation, all submissions will be publicly available through the IdeaSpace website in December 2008. We hope to build a community that will grow to collaboratively refine and develop many of the innovative concepts created through the IdeaSpace Challenges. 
 

If you are interested in supporting, sponsoring, or participating in GEW-Lebanon or the IdeaSpace Challenge, please fill out the Participation Interest Form or contact us.

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