UN Global Pulse and the Government of the Republic of Korea today kick off the third edition of the Big Ideas Competition in support of data-driven ideas to combat the effects of climate change. The competition calls for data and climate enthusiasts from ASEAN countries, Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea to put their skills and ideas to use in support of climate action.

People worldwide are experiencing the impacts of climate change, especially rising sea levels and extreme weather-related conditions. The Asia Pacific region is especially vulnerable to climate change, and governments and citizens have been working to reduce its effects.

In line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #13 (Climate Action – taking action to combat climate change and its impact), this year’s competition is looking for original data-driven ideas to monitor climate-related indicators, including: strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and integrating measures into national policies, among others.

Applicants will compete for 12 country prizes, three excellence prizes and one grand prize, with the total prize amount standing at USD 35,000*.

The Big Ideas Competition for Climate Action is a collaboration between the National Information Society Agency (NIA), Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIT), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea, the United Nations Development in Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Volunteers, and Pulse Lab Jakarta, with support from the Government of Australia.

Eligibility and how to apply

The competition is open to residents of ASEAN Member States, Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea. Proposals should detail original data-driven ideas that can be developed into a working prototype to advance SDG #13: Climate Action. To view past winners’ proposals, please visit pages for 2015 Winners and 2016 Winners.

The deadline for submission is 7 September 2017 at 23.59 (GMT+7). The winners will be announced on 24 October 2017.

All applicants must complete an expression of interest form and submit the proposals in English using the proposal template through Easy Chair. Proposals submitted after 7 September will not be taken into consideration.

For those who are interested in knowing more on the topic, Pulse Lab Jakarta will host two webinars to help shape your ideas: 25 August 2017 at 14.00 (GMT+7) and 31 August 2017 at 14.00 (GMT+7).

More information on the webinars and other aspects of the competition can be found in the FAQ.

All additional questions should be directed to: plj-proposals@un.or.id.

*The cash prize amount is subject to change due to currency fluctuations.

Further information please go to this link.