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UNLEASH Plus Incubation Program for Entrepreneurs working on Social or Environmental Challenges

Deadline: 10-Apr-2022

Applications are now open for the UNLEASH Plus, a global 6-month incubation program for entrepreneurs working on social or environmental challenges, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The program provides teams with the right skills, tools, and mindsets to test and launch early-stage solutions, and design them for large-scale impact. The program is open to all youth entrepreneurs looking to advance solutions that address the SDGs.

Co-hosted with UNLEASH’s Lead Scale Partner, Chemonics International, the program supports teams with an existing prototype to become an impactful social venture. UNLEASH Plus enables teams to create an effective organizational strategy, build a cohesive vision and team, determine a go-to-market approach, measure their impact, and develop clear financials towards fundraising goals. Participants access applicable learning materials, join interactive workshops, and receive direct support from world-class experts. Facilitated connections to investors and partners are made throughout the program to accelerate teams’ intended positive impact.

The incubator culminates in a one-week, in-person program in India from late November to early December 2022, where teams work with international experts and pitch to potential funders. Only the top 25 teams of the program will be selected, and all costs will be covered.

Phases
  • Phase 1: The Basecamp – where the journey begins
    • The first phase is an inspiring and practical two-day event that kicks off the UNLEASH Plus program and ensures teams are set on a trajectory to reach new heights!
  • Phase 2: The Ascension – online learning with monthly checkpoints
    • The second phase is the core 21-week virtual program within UNLEASH Plus, focusing on team development, solution testing and refinement, strategy, and pitching, with the goal of launching a first complete solution that will attract the right customers, partners, and funders to accelerate their journey.
  • Phase 3: The Bootcamp: in-person program in India for the top 25 teams
    • The last phase is the in-person finale of UNLEASH Plus during the Global Innovation Lab in Karnataka (India), where teams receive intensive support from world-class experts to refine their strategies, meet with potential partners, and pitch their solutions to investors awarding cash prizes at the Dragons’ Den.
How much time will I need to dedicate to UNLEASH Plus if I am admitted to the program?
  • The UNLEASH Plus program is a six-month commitment and requires at least 4 hours per team, per week on average for the duration of the entire program. The program includes attendance at seven mandatory half-day sessions spread out over the six months, in addition to the week-long in-person Bootcamp for the top 25 teams. In order to accept a spot in the 2022 cohort, each team must acknowledge that completion of the program and eligibility for the final Dragons’ Den event depends in part on prioritizing participation in mandatory events, including:
    • A 2-day virtual kick-off on June 11th and 12th;
    • A series of 4 consecutive Checkpoints held on a Saturday every four weeks, and lasting 3-hours each, on July 2nd, July 30th, August 27th, and September 24th;
    • A 3-hour Pitching Showcase on October 1st; and, if selected,
    • A 9-day in person Bootcamp and Dragons’ Den from November 26th to December 4th.
  • At the end of the program, only the top 25 teams will be selected for the in-person program in Mysore, India, with all costs covered. Teams will need to be fully dedicated to the program during the Bootcamp period, and they are expected to plan personal and other professional commitments around all above dates.
Eligibility Criteria

UNLEASH Plus is designed for young innovators around the world who are solving problems to achieve the SDGs. Applicants may be social entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, or activists who have an early-stage solution but seek support to test further, refine, and plan its launch. Participants do not need to be working on their ventures full-time to qualify for the program. Previous experience participating in UNLEASH programs is beneficial, but it is not required.

Qualifying Criteria

Qualifying criteria for UNLEASH Plus includes:

  • At least 2 active team members participating throughout the program
  • Ability to commit at least 4 hours per team per week throughout the program
  • At least half of the team members aged 35 years or below
  • A validated, working prototype of a solution that addresses one or more of the SDGs
  • Documented feedback, references, or testimonials from early testing with actual users or prospective customers that demonstrates market demand for the solution
  • The solution must be responsive to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
  • A legal entity with the ability to receive funds
  • A maximum of 50,000 USD raised to date
  • Note:
    • Teams may be in the process of establishing their legal entity if completed by November 2022.
    • Any winning UNLEASH Plus team that is the recipient of a cash award at the conclusion of the program must be a legal entity in order to receive funds.

For more information, visit https://unleash.org/plus/