Do you have what it takes to be an agent of change? Do you have a viable ‘big idea’ to help solve some of the world’s big challenges?
 
A group of high profile local organisations have joined forces with the prestigious Singularity University, based at NASA’s Research Park in Silicon Valley, to provide an opportunity for the Isle of Man’s technologists, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow to tackle an Isle of Man Grand Challenge.
 
Sponsored by PokerStars, the Isle of Man Grand Challenge requires two inspired individuals to take up the challenge of facilitating the development of advancing technologies and applying them to address one or more of humanity’s grand challenges.
 
They will be rewarded with a place each at Singularity University’s week- long Executive Programme in December 2013.  The $25,000 total prize also includes flight and accommodation expenses.
 
Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK commented:
 
‘I am delighted to be supporting the Isle of Man Grand Challenge which offers an excellent opportunity for two inspirational Isle of Man individuals to develop their ideas and skills. We are also very grateful to PokerStars for making this Grand Challenge possible with their very generous sponsorship.
 
‘Over the last 30 years the Isle of Man has achieved economic success by Government building close relations with business leaders both locally and internationally to anticipate the future, to find relevant opportunities and then to work together to maximise those opportunities for the good of our whole community.
 
‘As a result we are now a highly-respected international business centre and enjoy a high quality of life.  We cannot rest on our laurels; we must now look to how we plan for future success for the next generation.  I believe our Grand Challenge can greatly assist our efforts.  This is an amazing opportunity for two local individuals to meet some of the greatest visionaries in the world and bring back what they learn to the Island.  I look forward to hearing their insights.’
 
Mike Halsall an alumnus of Singularity University, had this message for entrants:
 
‘You may already have effected change through the use of emerging technologies, or used your entrepreneurial skills to great benefit. You may also be an up and coming inspirational leader with a great vision.
 
‘Applications are invited that may be just ideas, concepts or fully developed proposals, ranging from  complex to mind-bogglingly simple. Focus your submission on the benefits to the Isle of Man as well as global humanity’
 
Head of Corporate Giving for PokerStars, Sue Hammett said:
 
‘As a company we exist because of advances in technology and so we are passionate about supporting projects that contribute to education in this field.  In the next six years, there will be 2.4 million job openings in STEM fields, so as a responsible business with key skills in this area we believe by providing investment we can contribute to the long term future of the next generation.’
 
Singularity University is where many of technology’s top thinkers work and exchange ideas with the world’s leading scientists, innovators and philanthropists, charged with finding technological solutions to the world’s great challenges.
 
Participating on the Executive Programme at the Singularity University in California will enable the two winners to keep pace with accelerating change and understand how emerging technologies will impact industry. They will also have the chance to meet top visionaries, and venture capitalists.
 
Applicants need to be classified as ‘Isle of Man Workers’ and ideally based in the Isle of Man. You may choose to submit an application as an individual or as a representative of a group.
 
Details on how to apply for the Isle of Man Grand Challenge are available at www.iomgrandchallenge.com or www.whereyoucan.im/IOM-Grand-Challenge/Introduction.aspx or can be requested from Dr Ken Milne, Department of Economic Development by email at Ken.Milne@gov.im.