An Australian organisation providing work opportunities for refugees; a dementia breakthrough from Malta; and an environmentally sustainable Indian packaging company are among 23 social innovators chosen for cycle five of Expo 2020's innovation and partnership programme.
The grantees were selected from a pool of more than 4,000 applicants from 170 countries. More than half of the cycle five grantees are led by women.
The Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme (IIGP) began in 2016 to help organisations that tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges. It has expanded from 29 global innovators in 22 countries to 142 grantees in 76. Each innovator is offered funding of up to Dh367,000 ($100,000), in addition to expert advice and the opportunity to share their ideas with a global audience.
Some of these challenges, including rising levels of unemployment, inequality and poor access to quality healthcare, have been exacerbated by the current global health crisis, demonstrating a greater need than ever for collaborative solutions to address them.
Yousuf Luiz Caires, senior vice-president, Expo Live, said: "Through Expo Live, Expo 2020 is demonstrating its commitment to driving solutions that will positively affect global communities and future generations.
"All projects supported by Expo Live - from improving access to mental health platforms in Egypt, Saudi Arabia or the UK, to innovative recycling technology in China - remain committed to improving people's lives during the global health crisis. The latest cohort of innovators will carry on this tradition, inspiring others to find solutions to challenges in their own communities, and playing a significant role in helping shape a better world," he added.