.png)
Please click the respective city tile to access the city reports.
For further reading on Impact technology, please download the report below.
The Frontiers of Impact Tech': moonshots worth taking in the 21st century. Paris: Good Tech Lab. Tincq, B., Cunha Brito, M., & Sinet, L. (2019). DOWNLOAD
A. SHIFT! is a startup pitch competition open to early stage, pre-series A, impact technology companies who can enter by completing an online questionnaire and submitting a 2-3-minute video pitch. Technologies pitched must demonstrate a viable business model as well as an intention to create positive impact in one of the following areas - food, energy & carbon, inclusive finance, resilient cities, health or circular economy. We will be progressively adding new areas of Impact tech application in 2021.
A. Impact technologies are technologies designed to have a measurable and positive impact for people, society and the planet. Here is a useful resource to help further your understanding of Impact Technology.
A. SHIFT! city applications are taken twice a year. Applications are now open for Jakarta, Sydney, Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai. Check the key dates here.
A. Click the ‘Enter Shift’ link on the SHIFT! page of the IX website here. Please note it will take around 18 minutes to complete the online application. We suggest you first review the questions and gather supporting materials before beginning the application.
A. No, it’s free to apply.
Q. How many applications do you shortlist for SHIFT! City pitches?
A. Yes, 100% of them. All applications go through the same unbiased process.
A. Yes, your application will be kept confidential and shared with the internal SHIFT! City Challenge review committee only.
A. A panel of expert investors will short list up to 18 startups based upon what you tell us in the online application. Through a collaborative process, our evaluation panel of investors & impact experts shortlist the SHIFT! City Challenge finalists. Consequently, submissions will be vetted through a review committee to filter the best startups – in terms of the eligibility criteria, novelty or originality of business idea, and its potential for impact.
A. No, not explicitly, however, there should definitely be an underlying technology innovation associated with your idea where the intention is to have impact as described above.
A. Typically three investors, one impact expert and an audience.
A. SHIFT! City Challenge finalists will be contacted directly by a member of the Impact X SHIFT! team. This typically occurs around one month after receiving the application. They will set up a call to brief you further on the process and preparation required.
A. Yes for sure. We will provide you with a template to ensure consistency throughout the pitching process.
A. You will have 5 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes for Q&A.
A. Yes, please bring them along. We just ask that one person (the Founder/ Co Founder) is on onstage for the pitch.
A. No, but we will conduct a 15 minute onboarding call and we are always available to offer support. This does not mean you should not rehearse. You should practise, practise, and practise until you feel your delivery is perfect. If you are selected to progress to the SHIFT! Global Challenge, two rehearsals will be arranged by the SHIFT team.
A. Yes! Their bios will be on the SHIFT! website.
A. No. But your company must be registered in the country and or you are applying from.
A. The judging panel will select two startups from the shortlisted SHIFT! City Challenge finalists.
A. No. But the City Challenge winners will receive airfares and accommodation to the SHIFT! Global Challenge in China. And of course the opportunity to win the grand prize of USD $100,000.
A. Congrats. A member of the Impact X SHIFT! team will reach out to set up a call to walk you through the process for preparing for the big event. And they will stay with you throughout the entire journey.
A. The format of the Global Challenge will be the same as the SHIFT! City Challenge, 5 minutes to present plus 5 minutes of Q&A.
