The finalists, whose primary purpose is to generate a social, ethical or environmental impact, were selected from an outstanding group of 216 candidates in 31 countries, making the work of the EIB Group experts very challenging.

Over three days in June, the 15 high impact ventures, from 9 countries, will participate in a tailor-made training programme (mentoring bootcamp, e-training on pitching, one-to-one coaching sessions) to provide them with the necessary guidance to finalise their proposals. This will prepare them for the final event – taking place this year in Lisbon on 8 October – in which all the finalists will have to present and defend their project before a jury of social innovation specialists.

The jury, composed of specialists from the academic and business worlds, will award four prizes: General Category and Special Category 1st and 2nd Prizes of EUR 50 000 and EUR 20 000 respectively. This year, the Special Category Prizes will go to projects focusing on the environment (with a special emphasis on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation).

Finalists from all SIT editions become members of the SIT Alumni Network. As such, they are able to benefit from numerous training opportunities and an innovation grants programme, and attend conferences around Europe, networking with investors, venture philanthropists and foundations that can help them scale their impact.