YEEEP organized a Social Enterprise Challenge targeting a large group of young people to sensitize them on idea generation and innovative solutions to counter health, social, economic, and environmental challenges, with a particular emphasis on enterprises addressing emerging challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge comprised cash grants of up to $5,000 for the top five winners each and grants of $2,900 for the next five winners. In total, 25 startups were shortlisted for the challenge, out of which 8 startups with a
the business theme around youth, education, disability, poverty alleviation, energy, and environment, belonged to Sindh. The startups included:
1- ConnectHear
2- Tears to Cheers
3- Boltay Huroof
4- Parindey
5- Asaan Taleem
6- Pak Smart
7- ENENT
8- Green Box
These startups went through a five-day training program. The training/mentoring before the challenge covered all areas of social entrepreneurship, including an intricate understanding of
the key elements of sustaining and scaling a social venture, and the core foundations of social entrepreneurship were taught via interactive sessions, activities, and discussion. The training helped to polish viable and practical solutions and innovations that exhibited the potential to
resolve challenges that have emerged because of the pandemic. Grants were awarded in two tranches based on the marketing and professional milestones showcasing their commercial viability achieved within the given timeline.
3 startups from Sindh received the grant. ENENT received the winning grant of PKR 820,000, while ConnectHear and Green Box received runner-up grants of PKR 480,000 each. The winner, ENENT is a clean-tech electronics startup focusing on designing innovative products
that reduce energy waste by using an "Intellica-three-phase load balancer," resulting in up to a 20% reduction in power loss and electricity bills. The runner-up, ConnectHear, is a social startup led by aspiring youth working for sign language accessibility and deaf inclusion in Pakistan by
producing regular infotainment content on Facebook and YouTube interpreted in sign language. Another runner-up, Green Box, is a youth-driven engagement lab nurturing sustainability leadership in Pakistan by developing a community of young people for environmental action and
accountability.
The winners of this challenge will also be showcased at the regional Youth Co: Lab Summit.
Share This News