Nestlé S.A. announces the launch of the 2018 Creating Shared Value (CSV) Prize, a global competition recognizing the accomplishments of individuals and businesses that are scaling up or generating new business models in the areas of nutrition, water or rural development.
CSV is defined as harnessing the power of private enterprise to tackle social challenges with business solutions, a philosophy that drives decision-making at Nestlé and is reflected in the company's purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future.
In line with this philosophy, Nestlé S.A. devotes time and effort to find and support entrepreneurs who exemplify CSV through their business ideas and actions. Harnessing these innovations will put new solutions on the table while helping to spread wealth and prosperity. To recognize and promote the work of pioneers in this field, the Nestlé Creating Shared Value Prize was first launched in 2010.
According to the United Nations, more than nine billion people will live on the planet by 2050. Along with improvements in life expectancy, there are many more mouths to feed. Access to good nutrition, safe water sources and economic opportunities are needed to meet the challenge of a growing population. Innovative solutions are needed to address poverty, disease and malnutrition.
This year Nestlé has partnered with Ashoka, the world’s leading network of systems-changing social entrepreneurs. For the first time, the Henri@Nestlé open innovation platform, which builds new partnerships with startups by working with technology partners and early stage entrepreneurs, will serve as network partner to amplify outreach to participants.
Winners in 2018 will receive up to CHF 400,000 (an estimated PhP 21 million) in funding for their enterprise or a lifetime Ashoka Fellowship to scale up or replicate their initiative. Shortlisted entrepreneurs will participate in the 2018 World Water Forum in Brazil, pitching live to the Nestlé Creating Shared Value Council.
Capturing and promoting these breakthrough ideas will allow them to flourish. Through the Creating Shared Value Prize, Nestlé hopes to profile the power of innovation, showing how the right approach to business can deliver commercial success along with greater returns for society as a whole.
The Creating Shared Value Prize awaits the brightest and best working in socially beneficial business initiatives. Participants may apply in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French at http://www.changemakers.com/creatingsharedvalue. Nestlé S.A. welcomes program entries in the field of nutrition, water and rural development.
Online applications are open between 29th August and 31st October 2017.
For information on previous Creating Shared Value Prize winners, visit http://www.nestle.com/csv/what-is-csv/nestleprize/prize-winners.