LETTER

Chance for Aylmerites to co-create solutions for social issues

 

Mouvement Desjardins just announced the third edition of “Cooperathon”, the world’s largest innovation competition. The initiative aims to bring together citizens with experts and entrepreneurs to co-create sustainable solutions for social issues facing Ontarians and Quebecers. This competition is open to all citizens driven by an inspiring idea, and they’ll have the chance over 5 weeks to brainstorm and work with organizations and experts across different fields to bring their idea to life. One of the events takes place in Ontario/Gatineau.

“Coopérathon” is pre-incubation challenge bringing together students, experts, mentors,  designers, sociopreneurs and partners to collaborate on projects that provide concrete solutions to social issues.

Over 25 days, participants will generate ideas and develop a project – from pre-incubation, prototyping, and pitching the concept – to convince juries their solutions have social benefit. They will be supported by community, academic and industrial partners in the development. The winning projects will be awarded prizes during the Coopérathon finale, November 1, in Canada and France.

Coopérathon 2018 tracks on finance, education, healthcare and energy. Each track ties into the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, including economic growth and clean energy. During the four weeks, Mouvement Desjardins will host workshops, bootcamps and information sessions in participating cities to encourage creativity among teams. Participants will gain access to professionals in universities, private institutions and non-profit organizations, along with specialists in smart city, technology and design.

Last year’s Coopérathon drew in 1,480 participants, 100 teams, 16 impact start-ups, and awarded over $75,000 in prizes. It is open to all residents of Canada and France who are at least 18 years of age. To participate: http://cooperathon.com/a4

Alessandra Salituri,
Mouvement Desjardins
Montreal