On November 2024, the CIHEAM will reward an innovative solution in the frame of the 2nd edition of its Youth Innovation Award. The CIHEAM Youth Innovation Award for Green and Blue Transformation in the Mediterranean aims to promote innovative solutions that contribute to the greening of the Mediterranean food systems while improving human well-being and social equity, reducing environmental risks and scarcities, and contributing to zero climate impact.

Launched for the first time in 2022, on the occasion of CIHEAM's 60th anniversary, the Youth Innovation Award aims to respond to the challenges that are emerging and to mobilize young people as key actors in innovation and the search for solutions for greater sustainability and inclusiveness in the Mediterranean.

The first edition awarded the project "INSPOT Innovation" by Mr. Ezzudeen Eisawi, which aims to improve waste management through the introduction of insect recycling technology, and contribute to food security and sovereignty in Egypt.

This year, the CIHEAM, in partnership with the UfM, UNIMED and BUSINESSMED, will select 3 winners whose projects will be chosen on the basis of their innovative and disruptive characteristics compared to existing solutions, the quantitative and qualitative innovative contribution to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of green and food systems, the feasibility and measurable sustainability, the scale-up potential, the reproducibility and the readiness of the innovative solution. 

The award ceremony will take place during the Ecomondo event in Rimini (Italy) from 5 to 8 November. The selected winner will receive a financial grant of €10,000, a CIHEAM medal, and a certificate. Other recognition will be given in the form of a one-year scholarship for a Master's degree in Open Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship at CIHEAM Bari for the second prize and an internship in one of the partner companies for the third prize.

To apply for this award, you must be:

• under 40 years old,
• living in a Mediterranean country,
• presenting an innovative solution, at least in a pilot stage of development, to be applied in the Mediterranean in order to contribute to  the environmental, social and economic sustainability of Mediterranean food systems.

More information and the Application Form  HERE 

Source: CIHEAM