Finally, the four finalists who will share the $4,450 Savvy Prize 2022 for Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs, have emerged. This Prize, running for its first year, seeks to recognize and support the efforts of Savvy Fellows working to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems through innovative and sustainable ways. The debut edition of the Savvy Prize is being supported by The Roddenberry Foundation ($3,000) and Because International ($1,450), which comes with a lot of benefits including cash prizes, product development support, and marketing endeavors.

Out of nearly 3,000 applications from over 120 countries, and a rigorous judging process, 30 semifinalists emerged from 11 countries. These amazing changemakers proceeded to the final round, which included a public voting process and a one-minute pitch video submission of their projects. We received 12,761 votes from around the world within a week, and the People’s Choice Winner was Bright Lemchi, with 2,221 votes. However, the public voting process only accounted for 20% of the judges’ decisions and the one-minute pitch video accounted for 80%.

Every semifinalist was very impressive, and it was such a pleasure getting to learn about their amazing projects. However, we are unable to offer every semifinalist a share in the Savvy Prize as we could only select four. The one-minute video pitches we received were extraordinary, and our team was astonished by the vital and inspired work every semifinalist was doing in their communities around the world. We are grateful to every semifinalist for the great work they’re doing, for sharing their vision with us, and for their interest in the Savvy Prize. For those who weren’t selected as one of the 4 finalists, we invite them to continue growing their project and applying next year.

The four finalists are:

1st Prize Winner: Grace Amuzie (Isrina Schools) from Nigeria

Isrina Schools offers a low-cost educational service solution that enables low-income families to afford their children access to basic quality education through the recycle pay project initiative, which enables these families to afford Isrina Schools inexpensive educational service and learning necessities.

2nd Prize Winner: Huu Truong Ngo (goHeo) from Vietnam

With goHeo, kids earn money through chores, set saving goals, spend wisely, and invest. Kids and parents log into the app but have different experiences. Parents set flexible controls and receive real-time alerts, while kids monitor their balances, set goals, and learn how to manage money.

3rd Prize Winner: Catherine Nakayemba (Safe Girl) from Uganda

Safe Girl manufactures and distributes reusable, washable sanitary pads to adolescent girls and women for menstrual protection, to be reused for up to one year. In 2020, Safe Girl tested its market viability in local markets and sold 200 reusable sanitary pads, collecting $300 in revenue within three months.

Product Innovation Prize Winner: Tolulope Olukokun (ThinkBikes) from Nigeria

ThinkBikes manufactures local electric road and cargo bicycles to move goods. Due to the high cost of ownership, ThinkBikes leases these bikes for affordable mobility of goods and people in urban and rural areas. This gives flexibility on quality, strength, and cost of procurement.

Grace Amuzie will receive the following:

  • $450 cash or its equivalent in her local currency
  • $450 worth of news features on 4 media outlets
  • 1 year $540 web/app hosting + $10 domain name registration

Huu Truong Ngo will receive the following:

  • $450 worth of news features on 4 media outlets
  • 1 year $540 web/app hosting + $10 domain name registration

Catherine Nakayemba will receive the following:

  • 1 year $540 web/app hosting + $10 domain name registration

Tolulope Olukokun will receive the following:

  • $450 cash or its equivalent in his local currency
  • Feature on Because International social media accounts
  • A spot in the Because International Spring 2022 cohort

Every applicant, including every semifinalist, was judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovative
  • Community-based
  • High potential for impact
  • Sustainable
  • Originality

Congratulations to Grace, Huu, Catherine, and Tolulope!