A platform for helping charities sell second hand clothes, a social network for older people and a website devoted to teaching children positive ways to behave online are among the 11 shortlisted entries for ThinkTech, a €1 million project to grow ideas for a better Ireland.
The shortlisted finalists will present their proposals to a panel made-up of business and social sector leaders in Dublin this week. This will be followed by a workshop on 29 September which will include sessions with technology entrepreneur and investor Shane Deasy, venture capitalist Helen McBreen, and digital business experts from Google.
“These ideas are becoming a reality and addressing a wide range of social issues,” said director of Google.org Jacquelline Fuller said. “For example they include a social network that is helping to combat cyberbullying, and projects that are providing new ways to access education for early school leavers and marginalised communities, as well as ways that technology can help to reduce the isolation of older people in Irish communities.
“We see great potential for these ideas to make a lasting impact and they also demonstrate Google’s view that technology has the power to make a real difference and create positive change in society.”
CEO Social Innovation Fund Ireland Deirdre Mortell said: “The shortlisted projects selected have already demonstrated progress towards measurable social impact; they have the ability to scale across Ireland; and have identified a wide range of technology solutions including hardware, software, online platforms and apps to deliver their ideas.
“Out of almost 70 applications received we have managed to select 11 of the most promising and in our view important innovative ideas that use technology to help to improve lives and create a better Ireland. From a diversity perspective, encouragingly 54% of the applications received were ideas spearheaded by female founders.”
The full list of nominees is: Alone/NetwellCASALA, ChangeX, Cybersmarties, Foodcloud, iScoil, The Freebird Club, ThirdAge/Agewell, Thriftify, SourceIT, Student Volunteer and Virtual College Community.
For more on ThinkTech listen to our interview with CEO Deirdre Mortell on TechRadio.
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