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South Island Prosperity Project offers Innovation Challenge

Participants encouraged to submit ‘smart’ pilot projects addressing various issues
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The South Island Prosperity Project is calling for submissions in their innovation challenge, using ‘smart’ homegrown ideas to address Greater Victoria’s most pressing needs. SIPP photo

The Smart South Island Open Innovation Challenge is looking for answers to some of Greater Victoria’s most pressing challenges.

The competition, overseen by the South Island Prosperity Project, has its eye on transportation, housing affordability, economic resilience and inclusion, as well as environmental and human health. Participants are invited to submit their best ‘smart’ pilot project ideas with the aim of improving the quality of life for fellow South Islanders.

And there’s a chance to take home $15,000 for three winners.

The idea to source homegrown solutions is inspired by SIPP’s work with the region’s bid for Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge, a nationwide competition that will showcase the best ‘smart’ ideas. Winners of the local challenges will get the opportunity to compete nationally, for prizes of $5, $10 or $50 million.

“The Smart South Island Innovation Challenge is a fantastic way to unleash the creativity of local residents and organizations by designing innovative solutions to the real-world challenges impacting the South Island,” said Emilie de Rosenroll, CEO of the South Island Prosperity Project.

The challenge is open to anyone with a vision and is free to enter.

A panel of experts including Christina Clarke, executive director of the Songhees Nation; Mandy Farmer, CEO of Accent Inns and Hotel Z; Nanon de Gaspe-Beaubien Mattrick, founder of Beehive Holdings; Hannes Blum, former CEO of Abebooks.com, and Owen Matthews, vice-president of Wesley Clover, will assess the proposals.

Information workshops are scheduled for Dec. 15 and Jan. 17 (location TBA).

If you’re someone with a bold and innovative idea waiting to be put in motion, check out SmartSouthIsland.com for more details. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 28.

kristyn.anthony@vicnews.com