iVoice is an online platform that encourages youth to discuss social issues and to drive innovative solutions. The platform features stories relating to social issues in Sri Lanka, which are submitted by iVoice contributors and the general public.

The objective of the iVoice Idea Competition is to encourage youth to play a participatory role in solving social issues. After reading a story featured on iVoice, youth can submit their ‘idea’ to help to address the social issue that is highlighted in the story. The ten best ideas will receive seed capital of Rs. 100,000/- each, and mentoring, to support in implementing their ideas.

The majority of articles featured on iVoice relate to a social issue. These stories have a ‘Submit Your Idea’ button at the end of the article, inviting youth to share their innovative ideas on how to address these social issues.

Submitted ideas must be innovative and unique. The ideas must also be practical and implementable by 31 December 2017.

The deadline for submitting an idea is 3 September 2017.

To submit an idea, the following details must be provided through the online form:

• Confirmation of nationality and age

• Personal details: Full name, NIC, Mobile Number, E-mail, Postal Address
• Confirmation that the idea can be implemented between the time period of 21 September – 31 December 2017
• Title of idea: A brief title that summarizes the concept of the idea/solution (50 characters)
• The problem: A 100 word description of the specific problem that your idea will address
• The solution: A 500 word description of what you will do to help to address the problem and how you plan to implement your idea before 31 December 2017
• Budget: Specify the total budget required to implement your idea in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Note that the ten winning submissions will be granted Rs. 100,000/- as seed capital in September 2017.

03 Sept 2017: Closing of submissions at 23:59 on 3 September 2017

06 Sept 2017: Shortlisting of 20 ideas

13 Sept 2017: Shortlisted applicants to present their ideas in further detail to the judging panel

21 Sept 2017: The ten winning ideas will be announced at the Award Ceremony at which Rs. 100,000/- seed capital will be granted to each of the winning applicants

Evaluation criteria includes creativity of the proposed idea to address the given social issue, and feasibility of implementation within the stipulated budget and timeframe.

The number of votes received per idea will not be a deciding factor.

The judging panel’s decision will be final.

The ten young people will receive the seed capital on 21 September 2017. They will also be provided mentoring organized by the Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum and the United Nations Population Fund, to support in implementation of their ideas. All winning participants must provide a progress report every 2 weeks and must take full responsibility to complete project implementation by 31 December 2017.