Challenging Innovation for the SDGs
CSI Challenge, started in 2016, is a competition of social entrepreneurs that aim to solve social problems through their own innovative businesses. Through this Challenge, ARUN focused on building a platform connecting social entrepreneurs to the Japanese community.
ARUN, with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) now launches the CSI Challenge Vol.2. This competition is open to social entrepreneurs who use innovative approaches to address the issues around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as gender, agriculture, healthcare, and so on.
This program creates possibilities for connections across the border between entrepreneurs and investor companies both seeking the same vision: businesses and ‘solutions of the social issues’. By supporting these entrepreneurs, we create an opportunity to learn from each other how to achieve the SDGs through businesses in a sustainable way.
For entrepreneurs it is a good networking opportunity to get to know and interact with Japanese firms. For investor companies, it is also a great opportunity to learn from and be inspired by entrepreneurs, new ideas, and cultures from across Asia.
Finalists will pitch their businesses online to ARUN teams and the judges on May 28, 2018.
Application guideline
We look for those businesses in Asia that generate positive impact for the achievement of the SDGs using innovative business models.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for CSI challenge, the enterprise must be:
- Companies with innovative business confronting social issues (SDGs)
- The original idea of the applicant(s)
- In its start-up phase, usually within the first five years of operation
- Incorporated company for profit
- Independent and autonomous
Types of organizations that are NOT eligible to apply:
- Non-profit organization, Scholarships, or research projects
- Organization based on political or religious purposes
To apply, please click here.
Deadline: March 31st, 2018 at 11:59 PM JST
