data.org issues call for $10 million Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge

The Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge will award up to 10 winners with data science talent

Launched in partnership with Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth and The Rockefeller Foundation, the $10 million Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge seeks to foster and promote innovative, scalable solutions from people and organisations all over the world.

The COVID-19 crisis has underscored both the vulnerability of individuals and communities to economic shocks and the important role data science can play in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

As private, civic, and social sector organisations tackle the health and economic implications of the pandemic, data science can inform the development of tools and insights that can be used in addressing the needs of all segments of society, especially those most vulnerable.

The Challenge will award up to 10 winners with data science talent, software, training, funding, and other support valued from $10,000 up to $10 million. Submissions are welcome from individuals and teams with extensive data science experience, as well as those with an idea on how to use data science to address societal issues and advance shared prosperity.

The Challenge welcomes all proposals using data science to advance inclusive growth and recovery with a preference for projects that promote financial security and economic mobility for workers, help micro- and small-sized businesses access capital, and support economic development.

Submissions must have a charitable impact and proposals addressing inclusive growth challenges are eligible, either as an individual or as a team from every part of the world.

“From the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change, data science and technology are more important than ever to tackling the world’s biggest challenges,” said Rajiv J. Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation.

“We’re committed to building a future where there are tens of thousands of data scientists solving these problems – because that’s what is needed to truly serve the world’s most vulnerable.”

“The Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge creates the opportunity to learn from, lift-up, and build a community around promising applications of data science for social impact,” said Ginger Zielinskie, interim executive director at data.org. “We are excited to hear from diverse organisations across the globe.”

The Challenge will have two phases: In phase one, beginning on May 19, applicants should submit an initial application which will be reviewed by expert judges in collaboration with data.org’s technical partner, DataKind.

In phase two, selected finalists will receive support to develop a more detailed proposal and engage in a virtual interview. The deadline for initial proposals to the Challenge will be July 17, 2020.

Data.org is a platform for partnerships to build the field of data science for social impact. It works with organisations from all over the world to increase the use of data science to improve the lives of millions of people, and to tackle society’s most significant challenges.

As a science-driven philanthropy focused on building collaborative relationships with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation seeks to inspire and foster large-scale human impact that promotes the well-being of humanity throughout the world by identifying and accelerating breakthrough solutions, ideas, and conversations.