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Unlocking Impact Pitch Competition

In a world confronting extraordinary and increasingly complex challenges, the need to create a fairer, more just and resilient future has never been more urgent.


Join us - along with experts from the humanitarian, corporate, and tech sectors, to hear from finalists presenting solutions that harness dollar digital currency to expand access, foster trust, and chart a defined course towards actualizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

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Why participate in the Unlocking Impact pitch competiton?

Innovate for global progress

Seize the opportunity to present your visionary solutions to an audience of global leaders, investors, and changemakers operating at the forefront of international development.

Collaborate for change

Connect with other innovators and organizations committed to driving transformation

Amplify your vision

Gain the resources and support needed to scale your project globally, ensuring a concrete, lasting impact

Fall competitions

Are you ready to unlock impact on a global scale? Submit your transformative idea and join us in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for all

We currently don’t have any events coming up, but please check back soon.

What we are looking for

Synergies with Circle’s mission

We want to work with teams that are focused on increasing financial inclusion and equity around the world.

 

Circle ecosystem benefits

Grant recipients should be building applications that help expand access to USDC through commerce or the exchange of value.

 

Realistic milestones

We look for teams with realistic milestones that have been clearly communicated.

 

Clear use of funds

Winners will be expected to provide a concrete budget and plan for use of funds to accomplish their goals.

The fine print

Criteria for submissions

Addressing Global Instability: Projects should directly tackle the challenge of building trust. We encourage applicants to address areas such as disaster response, financial access in conflict zones, or resource distribution in unstable regions. Projects should specifically align with one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

USDC Integration: Submissions should incorporate USDC, to ensure secure and transparent transactions. We’re also encouraging builders to leverage Circle’s new programmable wallets. 

Futureproof: We’re looking for solutions that upgrade existing infrastructure and mitigate corruption and fraud by enhancing accountability and enabling the efficient distribution of resources. 

Inclusive Approaches that are Fit for Purpose: We appreciate projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the specific populations they seek to serve. Consider diverse access to technology and acknowledge that not all beneficiaries or users may have access to smartphones. Develop inclusive strategies to bridge the digital divide and cater to various communication channels to ensure all beneficiaries are served effectively.

Submission guidelines

Submit a comprehensive project proposal outlining the problem statement, proposed solution, technical implementation, and expected impact. The pitch deck should be a PPT or PDF file with no more than 10 slides. The project proposal should be no more than 2 pages. Please make sure to include the following:

    • Description of the problem
    • Your innovative solution
    • Impact potential
    • Competitive advantage
    • The team
    • A brief description of financial sustainability.
  • Clearly indicate how your project aligns with the provided criteria.
  • Include a roadmap for project development and deployment.
  • Highlight any relevant partnerships or collaborations.
  • Record a brief video that helps us get to know you - and helps us understand the motivations behind your work. 
  • Submissions should be in English and adhere to the specified word/page limits.

Selection process

  • Submissions will be evaluated based on adherence to the criteria, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. Shortlisted participants will be invited to present their projects at a live pitch event hosted in New York City or Washington, D.C. during the UNGA or the World Bank Fall Meetings.
  • Winners will be selected based on the pitch presentations and announced at the conclusion of the event.
  • Interested but don’t feel your solution is ready yet? Don’t let this stop you! We have a team ready to walk you through our tech and will have additional pitch events throughout the coming months. Your project may still be considered for a future event.

Rewards & Support

  • Shortlisted proposals will receive coaching and mentoring support to prepare for the live event
  • Finalists will receive feedback from senior leaders from multiple UN agencies, NGOs, Circle, and other leaders in the space
  • Participants will have the opportunity to network with experts, potential partners, and investors within the innovation, NGO, and technology ecosystem
  • The winner will also:
    • Be eligible for grant funding support up to $100,000 in USDC per project
    • Receive operational, technical, business and marketing support, ecosystem connections, mentorship, and additional co-marketing opportunities with Circle and our community

Ecosystem grants can be used for

  • Hiring external resources, such as developers, agencies, and contractors
    Paid channel acquisition, such as paid media, social media advertising, and PR support
  • Customer acquisition channels, such as referrals, giveaways, airdrops, and bonuses
    In-person marketing activities and events