Deadline: 30-Dec-22
The Green Bengal Innovation Contest, an initiative by Green Bengal Innovation Network (GBIN) is a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas in the area of sustainability.
Green Bengal Innovation Contest, an initiative by Green Bengal Innovation Network (GBIN) is a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas in the area of sustainability. This contest invites applications from individuals/start-ups to showcase and demonstrate their green ideas to turn them into viable business ventures. The contest requires applicants to indicate the problem they wish to address and the suggested solution for the same through a service/product/technology which could be implemented in West Bengal.
Objectives
- To encourage an entrepreneurial culture towards a green economy in the state
- To support the creation and growth of green sustainable companies
- To increasing availability of investment funding for start-ups
Thematic Areas
- Circular economy | Electric mobility | Energy efficiency | Pollution control | Soil Remediation | Sustainable Agriculture | Recycling | Renewable energy | Waste management
Why should you participate?
- The contest is a great opportunity for one to be part of the larger goal of Green Bengal. If you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur and have a green idea to turn into a viable start-up, this challenge is for you.
- Rewards & Recognitions
- Seed grant of 2 lakhs for winner, 1.5 lakhs for 1st runners up and 1 lakh for 2nd runners up
- Special category recognition for 2 renewable energy technology companies and cash prize of 1 lakh each
- Other Benefits
- Mentoring support, intensive training, knowledge workshops
- Opportunity to pitch idea to investors and raise funds for venture
- Visibility and networking opportunity with investors, government, mentors, businesses, incubators
- Support from incubators like IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, STEP-IIT Kharagpur, Villgro
- Support to get access to potential market and consumer base
Eligibility Criteria
- Any business or enterprise in West Bengal with a focus on sustainability can get support from the network.
- Members of the Network
- Members can be accelerators, incubators, university entrepreneur programs, technology parks, NGO’s, chambers of commerce, entrepreneur clubs, government agencies etc. The lead member in the city based spoke is Ideally, a well-established innovation center that can administer the GBIN programs in their region(s) of influence.
- The GBIN will operate pan Bengal and will operate across following cities Kolkata, Siliguri, Kalyani, Kharagpur/Haldia, Durgapur, Howrah (A tentative list of cities).
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Due diligence and shortlisting
- Received applications will go through a due diligence process, conducted by SwitchON Foundation from where applications will be shortlisted for the next stage
- Stage 2: Training programme
- Shortlisted applicants will undergo a 3 month training programme on a range of topics required for jump-starting a business
- Stage 3: Pitch to the jury
- At the end of the training process, shortlisted applicants will be required to pitch their business model and value proposition to an esteemed panel of jury from where the winner will be selected
For more information, visit GBIN.