Entrepreneurs stand to win Sh24m in Unilever contest

Young creative entrepreneurs stand to win Sh24 million in a contest for innovative solutions to the world’s biggest sustainability challenges. The Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards, which is in its second year, targets entrepreneurs aged below 30 years.

The firm is looking for scalable and sustainable products, services or applications that reduce environmental impact, improve health and enhance livelihoods through changes in practices or behaviours.

The seven winners will take home Sh24 million (€200,000) financial support and free mentorship. The awards are run in partnership with the Prince of Wales Young Sustainability Entrepreneur Prize.

“Youth hold the key to unlocking solutions to many of the challenges our planet faces,” says Unilever Chief Executive Paul Polman.

“Young people will soon represent 50 per cent of the population in developing and emerging countries and it is vital we continue to enroll them in the task of making sustainable living commonplace and invest in their ideas.”

The finalists take part in an online development programme and then participate in a two-day workshop at Cambridge University, UK. Interested parties can apply online by visiting www.changemakers.com.