Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–August 6, 2013. Today, nearly 2 billion people in the world are between the ages of 18 and 34 years old. Young people aren’t just the future, but also the present. As the world’s population continues to grow and nations become more interdependent, science, technology, and innovation can help address global challenges such as food security, climate change, and health concerns.
The Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative, a Department of State program, unites the power of young people with the power of science and technology. Our goal is simple: help provide young innovators with the skills and confidence they need to launch and develop science and technology startups that can change the world.
Our annual Technology Idea (Tech-I) competition solicits applications from the most promising and creative science and technology entrepreneurs from 54 countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Using social media, we provide the top 90 innovators with a global platform to showcase their ideas. Through crowdsourcing, 30 of these entrepreneurs will be voted through to the Tech-I final round at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, where they will compete for $70,000 in prizes and receive training, mentorship, and networking with global leaders.
Your voice matters. Now through August 22, you and your networks can help choose the 30 entrepreneurs who will compete in the Tech-I competition final round. Watch a 2-minute video about each entrepreneur’s startup and vote for your favorite. You will be amazed and inspired by these young innovators whose ideas and inventions are tackling global waste problems by turning plastic into fuel, helping deaf individuals communicate, finding new ways to fight cancer, and much more!
As the GIST Program Manager, I have met young innovators from around the globe, and I can attest to their ingenuity, skill, passion, and drive to make the world a better place for all of us. I am eager to meet the phenomenal young innovator who receives your vote!
To learn more about the GIST Initiative, please visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GISTinitiative. The GIST Initiative is a partnership led by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.
