Otega O
TechInAfrica – The inaugural HSBC Future Skills Innovation Challenge announced 12 winners, all of which took part in the competition. Among them is SA’s Use-It.
Use-It is a startup whose primary focus is to educate young people on how they can create meaningful and innovative products from items considered as waste. The startup created a system where crushed glass and plastic waste can replace cement and used in paving stones. Use-It has also devised a means to convert plastic waste into a heating source to heat and cook food.
The aim and benefits of the HSBC Future Skills Innovation Challenge
This competition is designed to recognize social enterprises. These include startups that are helping individuals in society to build employable skills, manage money, and also build successful futures.
HSBC launched the challenge in conjunction with Ashoka, which happens to be a global network that targets social entrepreneurs. During the challenge, 12 participants will emerge winners.
Prizes winners will receive – Each of the 12 finalists will receive funding to the tune of US$25,000. The funds will be used to grow their projects and create a lasting impact in the society. Mentorship from Ashoka and HSBC will also be given to the startups.
According to Daniel Klier, HSBC’s global head of sustainable finance, helping people to develop the right skills will be more than essential post-COVID-19 and would encourage sustainable economic growth.
He continued by saying he was delighted to have participated as one of the judges in the competition. He said being a judge allowed him to witness firsthand how social entrepreneurs are helping people develop the right skills.
However, Use-It was not the only winner. You can check here for the complete list of winners.
