Supporting social innovation in Ireland with THINKTECH

Three years ago in 2013, the Irish government recognized the originality and drive of Ireland’s social enterprises large and small and created Social Innovation Fund Ireland. Social Innovation Fund Ireland provides funds to scale social innovations that improve life outcomes and have a widespread impact on critical social problems facing Ireland. 

Today, Irish Government Minister Simon Coveney TD launched THINKTECH, a €1,000,000 project to support and grow ideas for a better Ireland. THINKTECH was created by Social Innovation Fund Ireland with support from Google.org and the Department of The Environment, Community and Local Government.    

The THINKTECH challenge, the first of its kind in Ireland, will identify innovative ideas that use technology to create positive social impact in Ireland. 

Social enterprises, charities, and other not-for-profits are eligible for participation in THINKTECH. Participants should be able to demonstrate how they will use both technology and innovation to make Ireland better. Proposals could involve a broad range of technologies, should have already demonstrated progress towards measurable social impact, and have the ability to scale or spread across Ireland or internationally. 

Successful THINKTECH participants will have access to an award fund of up to €750,000, which consists of €600,000 in grants and up to €150,000 worth of support and mentoring, plus a package of Google supports. They will also enter a five month programme with Social Innovation Fund Ireland with support from Google.org and will receive both financial and non-financial support to make their vision a reality. 

Social Innovation Fund Ireland, and Google.org, believe that technology has the power to transform our lives for the better and we are excited to see projects develop and grow over the months and years ahead. More information on applying can be found on the Social Innovation Fund site.