Cambridge Social Innovation Prize 2024

Call for social entrepreneurs to step forward for “life-changing” prize

With the cost of living crisis impacting individuals and communities, the demand for the innovations created by the UK’s social entrepreneurs is increasing. Social CEOs are under increasing pressure to deliver positive social impact despite resource constraints and hard times.

The Cambridge Social Innovation Prize bridges the gap between rising star and lifetime achievement awards by focusing on social entrepreneurs who are at the mid-career stage. The award judges know that often the individuals applying have been so focussed on their social impact, they have not had time to invest in their own professional development to the detriment of their potential social impact.

This “life-changing” award targets outstanding social entrepreneurs with a proven track record and who would benefit from support to reach the next level, providing them the encouragement and advice they need at the time they need it.

Now in its sixth year, the prize is the cornerstone of an ongoing collaboration between Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation at Cambridge Judge Business School and Trinity Hall, one of the oldest colleges at the University. Supported by a generous donation from University of Cambridge (Trinity Hall) alumnus Graham Ross Russell.

Together, the School and the College are working to foster an interest in social innovation and entrepreneurship among students, fellows, and alumni, encouraging them to create new businesses and to pursue careers rooted in social and environmental impact.

Winning social entrepreneurs

Past winners have included people who run alternative city tours with guides who’ve been affected by homelessness, a bakery aimed at providing training and support for vulnerable women; a social enterprise which provides high quality day care for individuals who are socially isolated, many experiencing symptoms associated with moderate dementia; and a criminal law firm that ensures representation is provided throughout the legal process.

Zakia Moulaoui is the Founder & CEO of Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that trains those who’ve experienced homelessness to be tour guides in the cities they live in. Zakia says that winning the prize in 2023 is giving her options for the future:

“Winning the Social Innovation Prize has meant getting a bit of breathing space when thinking about the future plans for Invisible Cities. From being able to attend worldwide events to scoping out potential new locations for us, it has made 2024 and beyond a bit brighter.”

Of the winners, Nicole Helwig, Executive Director of the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation says:

“Each year, the Cambridge Social Innovation Prize gives us the opportunity to celebrate visionary social entrepreneurs. As the impact of the cost of living crisis continues to be felt, the prize winners challenge the inequities embedded within our communities while delivering positive social change.”

Apply for the Cambridge Social Innovation Prize

Anyone wishing to apply can view the criteria and application forms via prize website – https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/social-innovation/cambridge-social-innovation-prize/

The deadline for applications is 2 April 2024.