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Singularity + sync

Global Impact Challenge:
Digital Wellbeing

Applications are closed

Watch the final pitches live on November 7th

Highlighting groundbreaking ideas to address the global challenge of misinformation, cyberbullying and social disconnection

The aim of the Singularity + Sync Digital Wellbeing Global Impact Challenge is to identify and support startups that have a moonshot of solving these issues. What solution do you propose to address the global challenge of social polarization?

Singularity University and Aramco's Ithra Sync Partnership

We are excited about our partnership with Ithra Sync to host this Global Impact Challenge. Through this collaboration, Ithra Sync plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to tackle the urgent challenge of social polarization. Together, we inspire the next generation of future leaders as they strive to create solutions that can positively impact billions of lives.

OUR PARTNER

Meet the finalists

We received hundreds of applications from all over the world, and we're excited to announce the 10 finalists. These finalists will pitch their startup live in Mountain View, California on November 7th to a panel of judges, and one winner will earn $250,000 for their startup and a seat to the November Executive Program.

Aurora Gaming

Estonia

Esports for Positive Change—a values-driven esports-focused solutions provider helping parents, brands and governments leverage esports in their relationship with younger generations.

Bottled

United States

Your safe place to make friends all over the world. Whether you are looking for a friend, a pen pal, support or simply an intellectual connection, let serendipity decide your chance encounters with Bottled!

Chat License

The Netherlands

Your child has a phone for the first time, but how do they use it smartly and safely? ChatLicense helps both child and parent discover this new online world in one app with a scientifically proven learning method.

Digital Wellness Institute

United States

The world's leading organization measuring individual and workplace wellbeing. Our wellness programs increase your connection to peers, workplace satisfaction, and, most importantly, well-being.

EducomLab

Chile

Promoting the positive and balanced use of tech by students to improve their socio-emotional well-being and digital literacy. With EducomLab, schools encourage learning and monitor the progress of their students.

Emaww Technologies

Canada

Using AI to decode user emotions and enhance app analytics. Emaww Wellness unlocks a new level of emotional well-being while browsing the internet with emotion AI metrics for digital awareness.

Enlaight

Portugal

Data intelligence that helps nonprofit organizations, UN agencies, government agencies and independent media to organize, understand and cross-reference their internal and external data through AI software.

MangaChat

Singapore

Empowering children to explore and express their inner worlds with online journaling integrating art, gamification, AI, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to enhance children's emotional intelligence and social-emotional skills.

MUUD

Chile

With our app, students learn to manage their emotions and communicate better. We improve the school climate, prevent conflicts and strengthen ties between students and teachers.

Readocracy

Canada

Readocracy is making how we inform ourselves matter. It turns the content you consume every day (articles, newsletters, Youtube, podcasts, books, social media) into deep insights about how you’re shaping your mind, and significant benefits for spending your time well.

What is a GIC? 

Creating exponential
impact since 2010

Global Impact Challenges (GICs) are targeted, impact-based innovation competitions hosted by Singularity. Since 2010, we've partnered with organizations all over the world to create incentivized competitions that address specific challenges our world is facing. Some challenges are geographically focused, while others are topic focused. Occasionally, they’re both. Every challenge is different based on the goals of the partner, but they’re all designed to identify and uplift individuals and startups that are creating exponential impact in their area.

$250K Prize

The winner of the Singularity + Sync Digital Wellbeing Global Impact Challenge will receive a cash prize of USD $250,000 along with a complimentary seat to attend the Singularity Executive Program. The cash prize will be disbursed in tranches, with the schedule to be determined at a later date. The Executive Program provides an immersive 5-day learning experience featuring collaborative workshops, group activities, and in-depth exploration of cutting-edge technologies. The program is designed to empower leaders to develop a fresh mindset and acquire tools to leverage exponential change for the benefit of themselves, their organizations, and society at large.
Challenge
rules + criteria
Applicant Criteria

Who should apply?

Open to Global Applicants: The challenge is open to applicants worldwide.

English Fluency: Applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English.

Founder Status: Applicants should be founders of a fully established entity at any stage, including idea, working prototype, minimum viable product, pilot, or traction.Travel Requirement: Applicants must be able to travel to Silicon Valley for the pitch event.

Program Attendance: Commitment to attending the entire Executive Program is mandatory if awarded the prize.
Assessment Criteria

How will projects be judged?

Projects will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will look at the following:  
  • Relevance to the Challenge Theme: Solution's Alignment with the Challenge Theme.
  • Feasibility and Viability: Feasibility, Viability, and Overall Coherence of the Idea.
  • Market Validation: Startup market validation, business model, and traction.
  • Innovation and Novelty: Entrepreneurial and innovative potential, with an emphasis on novelty.
  • Leadership and Profile: Applicant's leadership experience, quality, profile, achievements, and potential.
Entry Criteria

What do you need to apply?

Completed Application Questions: Provide answers to all application questions in full.

CV/Resume: Submit a current CV or resume.

Summary of Accomplishments: Provide a summary of your key accomplishments.

Video URL: Share what inspires you about the world and how you plan to make it better.

Pitch Deck: Upload a pitch deck describing your solution.
Singularity uses F6S to receive and review GIC applications. F6S members can connect with funding and grants, post or apply for jobs, get free founder deals and apply to startup programs.
Timeline + 
important dates
Requirements for
winning startups

Documentation + verification

Business Registration: Your startup must be legally registered and follow local laws. Provide proof of incorporation

Tax Identification: Have a valid tax identification number and comply with tax laws.

Financial Records: Prepare financial statements to show the company’s financial status.

Founders’ Identification: Submit ID copies for all founders and key team members.

Valid Bank Account: The prize money will only be deposited into the startup's official bank account, not into any individual's personal account.

Pitch deck submission

Business Plan: Provide a clear business plan that shows your mission, market analysis, financial projections, and growth strategy.

Proof of Concept: Show a working prototype or evidence that your product or service is feasible.

Use of Funds: Explain how you will use the prize money, such as for product development, marketing, or hiring.

Legal agreements

Prize Agreement: Sign a contract that outlines the terms and conditions for receiving the prize money.

Post-win commitments

Reporting Requirements: Send a progress report to Singularity at 6 months and 12 months after winning. Include (i) an expense breakdown with receipts showing how you used the prize money and (ii) a progress update with photos.

Publicity and Media: Participate in promotional activities, interviews, or media coverage organized by Singularity

Mentorship Sessions: Take part in any mentorship or advisory sessions included in the prize package.

GICs: A history of impact

Total number of GICs
119
Total GIC Winners
162
First Global Impact Challenge
2010

Frequently asked questions

Do ideas have to be at a certain stage to be submitted?
Who owns the intellectual property resulting from a GIC?
I'm a Portfolio Company trying to get in touch with Singularity Ventures. Who should I reach out to?
What is the GIC review process?
Who covers the travel expenses for the winner to attend Singularity?
What happens if a GIC winner cannot attend the Executive Program for any reason?