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Fostering Inclusive Growth: Introducing the $10 Million Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge

As part of our commitment to building the field of data science for social impact, we at data.org, in partnership with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and The Rockefeller Foundation, have launched a $10 million Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge.

We believe that transformative change can happen only by tapping into the expertise of a broad pool of thinkers and doers. We are particularly interested in the following areas but will accept any idea that uses data science to spur inclusive growth.

Full terms and conditions here: https://www.data.org/terms-and-conditions/

Jobs of Tomorrow: Low wage workers are among the most vulnerable in today’s economy. In times of economic stress, current trends toward automation and job displacement could accelerate. How can we use data science to help workers remain secure in precarious times? Can data insights predict trends  in the labor market and connect and prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow?

Access to Capital: Unleashing the spirit of grassroots entrepreneurs can help communities rebound by creating much-needed jobs and growing local economies. Yet, in times of recession, the flow of credit to micro and small businesses tends to slow down. How can data science enable micro-entrepreneurs to gain access to capital? How can data science help us identify micro and small businesses with the potential to grow? How can data insights rethink creditworthiness and unlock capital for high potential business owners?

Cities and Towns: An economic recession will hit some places harder than others. As public and private sector investments flow into cities and towns to stimulate the economy, how can leaders use data-driven insights to make the right decisions to ensure economic security in underserved communities? How can data and analytics help connect neighborhoods to the resources and networks they need to access opportunity,  including quality education, affordable housing and childcare, decent jobs, and transportation? We are seeking applications of data science that can fuel economic growth and empower communities to thrive without further exacerbating inequality.

The COVID-19 global pandemic is affecting our society in profound ways; beyond the tragic impact on public health, this crisis will have severe economic repercussions. Supply chains are being disrupted, businesses are suffering, workers are facing unemployment, and too many people lack the savings or credit to weather an economic downturn. We will be considering this changing context when evaluating proposals for the Challenge.

The data.org Inclusive Growth and Recovery Challenge is proudly powered by Skild.