Seeking to shake up the status quo, the Catholic Church through its OSV Institute inaugurated the OSV Innovation Challenge, an initiative to spur Catholic entrepreneurs and innovators to present new ideas as to how the gospel is brought to the world. The Challenge established through the partnering of Catholic Creatives, Notre Dame IDEA Center, and SENT recognizes the global changes now underway through digital technology that is prompting the Church to evangelize in new ways, building on legacy practices such as hospitals, schools, and missions.
The Challenge brought in more than 350 submissions from those looking at the Church through the lenses of creativity and innovation, with 12 finalists selected for the upcoming demo day at the University of Notre Dame on August 29th. Upon selection the finalists participated in a 10-week Notre Dame IDEA Center Acceleration Program, receiving tailored spiritual support and professional coaching from Catholic artists, entrepreneurs, and speakers. Out of these 12 finalists, only 3 will receive the grand prize of $100,000 to grow their ideas.
“We are not aiming to fund the next good idea, but to invest in people – emerging innovators and seasoned trailblazers – by forming a new generation of entrepreneurs who are not afraid to relook at how we encounter and evangelize through the Truth and beauty of the Catholic Church,” said OSV Institute President Jason Shanks.
The Innovation Challenge is co-authored by OSV Institute and Catholic Creatives, ia group of Catholic photographers, designers, artists, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and others looking to invent innovative and creative ways to spread the gospel.
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