Are you a visionary passionate about closing the digital divide in your country? Do you have an innovative idea that can drive real-world impact? If so, this is your chance to make a difference.
Siklab is excited to announce the Hack the Future: Young Leaders for Asia 2025 Challenge, one of the largest digital innovation competitions aimed at creating a more connected Asia. The competition’s theme, “Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Youth for Connected Action and Inclusive Change,” seeks to empower young leaders to develop innovative solutions to overcome the digital gap in their communities. The goal is to foster a network of young champions who will advocate for a more inclusive and connected future.
Innovators from across Asia are invited to take part in this transformative opportunity to launch ventures focused on addressing the digital divide in their respective countries.
What’s at Stake?
The Hack the Future challenge offers an array of exciting opportunities for the winning teams:
- USD 10,000 Seed Funding: Four winning teams will receive seed funding to support the implementation and scaling of their digital solutions.
- Virtual Mentorship: Teams will undergo a 4-part virtual mentorship series, guiding them through the development and refinement of their ideas.
- Fully Funded Trip: Winning teams will get the opportunity to travel to Bangkok, Thailand, for the International Civil Society Week Summit (ICSW) from November 1-5, 2025, to pitch their projects.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants will connect with like-minded youth leaders and innovators from across Asia, sharing experiences and ideas for collective action.
Who Can Apply?
This challenge is open to youth-led teams from across Asia. The eligibility criteria include:
- Team Size: 2-5 members per team.
- Age Range: Team members must be aged between 18 and 35 years.
- Eligibility: Teams must be based in or come from ODA (Official Development Assistance) recipient countries in Asia. These include China, Mongolia, Thailand, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
- Project Focus: Projects should align with the competition’s theme of “Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Youth for Connected Action and Inclusive Change.”
Judging & Selection Process
The competition will follow a structured selection process:
- Application Review: Teams will submit their applications, including project concepts and background information.
- Masterclasses: Six teams will be selected to participate in four virtual masterclasses. These sessions will cover key topics such as digital inclusion, connected action, and social impact, helping teams refine their ideas.
- Final Pitch: At the International Civil Society Week in Bangkok, two representatives from each selected team will pitch their project to a panel of expert judges.
- Awarding of Seed Grants: Following the pitch presentations, four of the six teams will be awarded USD 10,000 seed grants to prototype and scale their projects.
Teams will be judged based on:
- Innovation: The uniqueness and creativity of the solution.
- Relevance: The project’s ability to address current challenges and its alignment with the competition theme.
- Feasibility: The practicality of implementing the solution in real-world conditions.
- Impact Potential: The scale and sustainability of the project’s potential impact.
- Team Composition: The strength and diversity of the team members.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Hack the Future 2025 Challenge, teams must submit the following materials:
- Completed Application Form.
- Valid Passports for the team leader and one additional member.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of each team member (2-3 pages).
- Team Introduction: A 150-word introduction to the team and its mission.
- Project Concept Note: A 300-word document detailing the project’s objectives, approach, and expected outcomes.
- Pitch Video: A 4-minute pre-recorded video introducing the project and team.
For more details on the application process, download the Program Briefer here: Download Program Briefer
Why Participate?
This challenge is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for youth leaders across Asia to take action and create real, lasting change. By bridging the digital divide, young innovators can empower communities, enhance access to technology, and drive inclusive development. This is your chance to be part of a movement that shapes the future of Asia and ensures no one is left behind in the digital era.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to turn your ideas into action. Apply now and become a part of the movement for a more connected, inclusive future.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
