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Are you working on a world-changing idea?

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Unilever support those responding to the biggest global sustainability challenges facing us today.

YEA 2016 finalists with Paul Polman

Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards

In 2013 we launched the annual Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards in partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and in collaboration with Ashoka. It’s a programme which celebrates and supports people under the age of 35 who are working on a unique product, service or application that will help create a brighter future for those in need.

This year the awards categories were inspired by eight of the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development ‒ challenging entrepreneurs to come up with business ideas that can help make the world a better place.

The Awards provide seven winning entrepreneurs with a total of more than €200,000 in financial support and individually tailored mentoring from Unilever, the CISL and sustainability leaders. The overall winner will also receive the prestigious HRH The Prince of Wales Young Sustainability Entrepreneur Prize.

Supporting a new generation of leaders

The 2015/16 competition has now closed, it attracted over 900 entries from 99 countries. Meet the seven winning young entrepreneurs with ideas that will change the world.

Be part of collective action

The next round of Awards opens in May 2017. We believe that collective action is needed to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world. If you would like to stay informed about news from the Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards network, please register your interest here.

Who we work with

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership empowers individuals and organisations to take leadership to tackle critical global challenges.

Ashoka is the largest network of social entrepreneurs worldwide, with nearly 3,000 Ashoka Fellows in 70 countries. It has provided start-up financing, professional support services, and connections to a global network across the business and social sectors, and a platform for people dedicated to changing the world. Ashoka Changemakers brings together high-potential changemakers, their ideas and their resources.

The photograph above shows the 2016 finalists, Paul Polman, Unilever CEO and Polly Courtice, LVO, Director CISL.

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