We acknowledge that we will be on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe People. Their culture and presence have nurtured this land for millennia. Fulbright Canada honours the people and land of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation.
Two years ago, the Fulbright Canada post-COVID Challenge was launched to engage youth from underrepresented populations in Canada and the United States. The idea was simple: what ideas do they have that would contribute to a healthier, more productive, more prosperous, and more just world in the post-COVID era. The broadly defined themes included health and wellness, social cohesion, economic recovery, and digital transformation.
We received 500 applications from individuals and groups from nearly every corner of the two countries. We also ran a competition to select six truly extraordinary mentors. The ideas of the applicants and their projects reflect the diversity of the group and the importance of the challenge. After a series of reviews and virtual competitions, we narrowed the field to ten finalists.
We are pleased to bring all ten finalists (along with three mentors) to Ottawa to compete at an in-person event. The review process and earlier competitions focused on what they were proposing and how they might operationalize their project. Now, the challenge is to address the larger question of social impact. Why is their project of real value to society? Who does it benefit? How might it contribute to a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible world?
Day 1 – June 23, 2022
The ten teams will participate in interactive speaker sessions and have an opportunity to prepare in the conference space. Following the meeting, they will be celebrated at an evening reception at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Canada.
Day 2 – June 24, 2022
The ten teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. The finalist will receive a $25,000 prize, and two runners-up will receive a $10,000 cash prize. We will also be working with the final three to assist them with their quest to secure additional venture capital.
The post-COVID Challenge was conceived and championed by Fulbright Canada Board member Ajay Royan. It is the signature program of our 30th Anniversary commitment to encourage, celebrate, and support bright young leaders with diverse perspectives and unique ideas. This would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners and collaborators and, most notably, the remarkable young leaders and innovators that put forward their ideas for a better world.
If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to: