#MyLittleBigThing 2025 Challenge – Call for Applications

The #MyLittleBigThing 2025 Challenge, organized by MK-Africa, is now open for applications from young innovators across Africa. This flagship sustainability innovation competition seeks to uncover bold ideas that shape the African narrative for sustainability and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its launch in 2017 in partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), the Challenge has empowered young innovators with mentorship, funding, and global exposure.

Competition Timeline

• Applications Open: August 1, 2025

• Deadline: October 15, 2025

• Application Review: October 16 – 31, 2025

• Finalist Notification: By November 14, 2025

• Innovation Bootcamp & Mentorship Launch: November 2025

• Solution Development & Mentorship: Nov 2025 – Feb 2026

• Midpoint Review: March 2026

• Pitch Preparation: April 2026

• Grand Finale & Awards: May 2026

• Post-Challenge Support: Ongoing

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 18–35 years old.

• Open to citizens of any African country.

• Projects must be designed for implementation in Africa.

• Applicants must be early-stage innovators (idea, concept, or early implementation).

• Submissions must align with one of four thematic tracks (to be announced).

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated on:

• Innovation – Creativity, novelty, and uniqueness.

• Impact – Potential for significant positive social or environmental change.

• Feasibility – Technical and operational viability.

• Scalability – Potential to expand and replicate.

• Alignment – Fit with the Challenge’s sustainability mission and SDGs.

Prizes & Opportunities

Finalists will:

• Join an exclusive mentorship and training program (including design thinking).

• Gain access to mentorship, networking, and exposure.

• Winners will receive seed funding (amount disclosed to finalists) to scale their innovations.

Intellectual Property & Publicity

• Applicants retain full ownership of their IP.

• MK-Africa and partners may use project titles and summaries for publicity and promotion.

• Finalists and winners may be featured in videos, marketing campaigns, and events.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Applicants should carefully review the official terms and conditions before applying.