D-Prize expands access to poverty-alleviation interventions in the developing world.
The challenge focuses on the distribution of solutions to poverty to the people who need it most that already exist and produces new “distribution entrepreneurs” – social entrepreneurs who start new ventures that distribute proven life-enhancing technologies to millions of people living in extreme poverty.
Can you design a business or NGO that solves one of the Distribution Challenges below?
1. GIRL EDUCATION: (Sugar Daddy Awareness Challenge)
14 million unintended teen pregnancies occur annually in sub-Saharan Africa, and girls are 5x more likely to be infected with HIV. A one-hour “sugar daddy awareness” class reduces these risks 28%. Can you teach “sugar daddy awareness” classes to girls in need?
2. AGRICULTURE:
Quality Seed Challenge: Farmers who plant poor quality seeds suffer from low crop yields. High quality seeds that have been naturally bred to mature quicker, resist drought, and fight disease can double yields. Can you distribute improved seeds to farmers within sub-Saharan Africa?
Fertilizer Challenge: The world has invented a number of effective planting techniques proven to increase crop yield. For instance, microdosing fertilizer is a cost-effective method for applying fertilizer and ensuring higher crop yield. Can you teach smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa effective planting techniques?
Custom Agriculture Challenge: D-Prize is specifically interested in distributing proven agriculture interventions to smallholder farmers. If you know of a highly-effective intervention that is backed by credible evidence, we want to hear your plan to increase its distribution.
3. ENERGY
Solar Lamp Challenge: 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa use kerosene lanterns to light their homes. Solar lamps are cheaper, cleaner, create cost savings, and increase household incomes by 30%. Can you sell solar lights to rural or slum-dwelling households in need?
Cook Stove Challenge: 3 billion people cook on traditional stoves, which cause chronic smoke exposure and are the cause of 4% percent of the global disease burden. A $13 modern stove provides cost savings and health benefits. Can you sell cook stoves and maintain long-term adoption rates?
4. GLOBAL HEALTH:
Patient Identification Challenge: Obstetric fistula, cervical cancer, club foot, and cataracts all have effective treatments. Yet identifying patients among large populations is difficult. Can you create a way to identify patients and connect them to early treatment solutions?
Maternal Health Challenge: Misoprostol is a $3 drug that could prevent 100,000 maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhaging. Can you develop an organization to train birth attendants to administer misoprostol?
5. EDUCATION
Flipped Classroom Challenge: By 2030 Africa will need to fill an impossible 4.1 million teaching positions. “Flipped classrooms” and deskilled curriculum can be run by a facilitator, and reduce the need for expert teachers. Can you implement an effective curriculum to teach students in a resource-limited classroom?
Student Testing Challenge: In sub-Saharan Africa, 40% of children remain illiterate even after five years of school. Testing and public scorecards increase accountability in poor education systems. Can you launch an organization that tests student and school performance, and makes the information publicly available?
6. GOVERNANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Transparency Challenge: Public services in developing countries are rife with corruption. Public reporting and scorecards creates real accountability. Can you improve transparency and report data on the public service performance?
7. CUSTOM
Propose Your Own Challenge:Propose your own challenge! If you know of another proven intervention in need of greater distribution, we would like to hear it. The only requirements are to choose an already proven poverty solution that is in need of distribution to more people in the developing world.
ELIGIBILITY:
D-Prize is for aspiring entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world, of any age, and any background.
We will consider funding existing organizations only if: you are piloting a new distribution-focused initiative, and you need high risk capital.
TIMELINE:
Round 1: Submit your concept note and resume(s). There is an early, regular, and limited extended deadline.
Round 2: Top 5% of entrepreneurs are invited to submit a full 10 page proposal. You will have four weeks to submit.
Round 3: Top entrepreneurs interview. Winners will receive up to $20,000 to launch. Final decisions expected by December.
Round 4: Spend the next three months using your talent to start a venture and help millions of people.
Click here to visit Official Competition Page and Download Application Packet