Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge – Jul 17

Posted by Data.org on June 23, 2020

Data.org Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge Welcomes Applications

As part of a commitment to build the field of data science for social impact, data.org has launched a $10 million Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge, an open call for breakthrough ideas that harness the power of data science to help people and communities thrive, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

Any strong and growing economy requires an inclusive and resilient approach to growth. By tapping into the expertise of a broad pool of thinkers and doers, data.org aims to catalyze innovative and scalable solutions to help individuals and communities thrive while building their resilience to withstand future challenges. Beyond the impacts on public health, the COVID-19 crisis is likely to have severe economic repercussions. Supply chains are being disrupted, businesses are suffering losses, workers are facing unemployment, and too many people lack the savings or credit to weather an economic downturn.

To that end, data.org seeks proposals from anywhere in the world aimed at using data science to advance shared prosperity and help ensure an inclusive recovery, with a particular focus on the following areas:

Jobs of Tomorrow — In a time of economic stress, the current trends toward automation and job displacement could accelerate. How can data science be used to help workers remain secure in precarious times? Can data insights predict trends in the labor market and connect and prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow?

Access to Capital — Unleashing the spirit of grassroots entrepreneurs can help communities rebound by creating much-needed jobs and growing local economies. But in times of recession, the flow of credit to micro and small businesses tends to slow. How can data science enable microentrepreneurs to gain access to capital? How can data science help identify micro and small businesses with the potential to grow? How can data insights rethink creditworthiness and unlock capital for high potential business owners?

Cities & Towns — As public- and private-sector investments flow into cities and towns to stimulate the economy, how can leaders use data-driven insights to make the right decisions to ensure economic security in underserved communities? How can data and analytics help connect neighborhoods to the resources and networks they need to access opportunity, including quality education, affordable housing and childcare, decent jobs, and transportation?

Through the challenge, data.org will award up to ten winners with data science talent, software, training, and a package of grants, technical support, consulting services, media production, marketing and promotional outreach, and software and infrastructure licenses valued at between $10,000 and $10 million.

Phase-one proposals are currently being accepted. Upon review, technical assistance and mentoring will be available to finalists to refine their proposals for phase two.

The challenge is open to any individual, organization, or collaboration from anywhere in the world (with the exception of North Korea, Sudan, Iran, Crimea, Syria, and Cuba), including nonprofits, for-profits, individuals 18 and older, and governments and UN agencies.

See the data.org website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

Deadline: July 17, 2020

Learn more and apply: https://www.data.org/challenge/