At the final event of the local youth challenge – Generation Unlimited, which took place online on May 6th 2020, the team finalists presented their products and development during the incubation phase. In the process of identifying digital solutions which directly address the existing needs and challenges of children and youth with disabilities, two teams were selected to take part in the global selection process where they will have the chance to develop their projects on a global scale!
Of the five finalists, the teams which were selected as national winners, who showed the greatest potential for development and making a difference, were the teams “Bionic” and “Mind Benders”. In the period to come, they will join the teams from around the world in the global competition.
Their effort and commitment was recognized by UNICEF and the Macedonian Telekom Foundation. In that regard, the two teams will receive financial support in the sum of two thousand American dollars for each team, ensuring successful further development and progress in the course of the challenge.
Additionally, for their extraordinary results, an honorary team was also selected – the team “Something Atypical” which will receive financial support in the sum of one thousand American dollars, ensuring successful implementation of their solution.
This year, the youth challenge took place in 41 countries around the world, and in North Macedonia 45 young individuals comprising 10 teams participated with their innovative ideas which offered solutions to the challenge:
“How can digital technology contribute to the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities in education and in everyday life?”
With the help of provided resources, devoted mentors as well as available experts from an array of fields, these teams targeted the needs on which they based their ideas-turned-prototypes: products for Digital Inclusion.
The whole process up until the final event lasted 8 months and encompassed many phases of development, the last of which is the incubation phase. This phase, which lasted 3 months, gave the five team finalists an opportunity to implement their projects in their local communities with the help of mentors and an initial financial investment. The final event depicted the hard work of the team finalists and showed the true potential of the youth in our country!
It is a real honour to have the voice of young people with visions for a brighter tomorrow heard and acknowledged from all directions in the course of this challenge. The president of North Macedonia, Mr. Stevo Pendarovski with an official remark offered his full support and inspired the team finalists at the final event.
We are also grateful for the presence and contribution of the distinguished jury who are renowned professionals with great experience in the areas of inclusion, digital technologies, sustainability and business development.
You can watch the whole final event here.
Find out more about the winning teams and their products on social media:
“Bionic”: https://www.facebook.com/eBionics/
“Mind Benders”: https://www.facebook.com/Digital-Menu-101921754716032/
“Something Atypical”: https://www.facebook.com/walkiieapp/
The Generation Unlimited – Youth Challenge 2019/20 was organized by UNICEF in partnership with the Macedonian Telekom Foundation, implemented by SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab and locally supported by the Scout Association of North Macedonia.
