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The Continuum Spark Award
The Continuum Spark Award, hosted by the GMW Network is a $250k investment for ideas looking to improve the lives of people around the world and illuminating humanity through faith-based values.
The Final20
Congratulations to the following submissions who have made it to the Final20 of the Continuum Spark Award!
Now we want you, the public, to be involved in deciding who goes through to the Final7 and earn a place on the plane to Doha.
Vote Now
Simply like any of the Final20 ideas from the list below. You can like as many as you wish, but you can only vote once.
Please note that this is not a popularity contest, and public upvoting does not mean one idea has more of a chance to make it to the Final7. We want to hear which problems these ideas are looking to solve you like the most and share the Spark Award journey with you too!
Arena (UK)
ARENA aims to gamify sports, remove barriers & tackle social isolation within the Ummah. From padel to rock-climbing; every booking, for every sport, everywhere. We imagine a world where sports are and socialising become indistinguishable, through revolutionising the bookings and matchmaking systems.
Baraka Fund (Canada)
Muslims donate $1 trillion to charities annually. With waqf, Muslims can donate once and the amount stays in the waqf fund on blockchain. The fund's investments are secure, with options like stable coins or real estate. The profits generated are donated to your preferred charities every month on your behalf, forever. We build this waqf on blockchain for transparency, security, and automation.
Beneficent Relief (Canada)
Our mission is to become an institution for economic empowerment, as an alternative to conventional debt-based economic models by providing interest-free lending. Our mission is made possible by putting into action Islam's principle of compassionate lending, with the underlying goal of helping alleviate - not exploit - the borrower's circumstances.
Deen Developers (UK)
Deen Developers is a tech-for-good community of founders, techies, and creatives who come together to collaborate, upskill, and be on the front lines of using technology to build real change in the world.
HajjSafer (Indonesia)
HajjSafer is a smart rescue product designed by Hume Design Consultancy. This end-to-end innovation provides wayfinding services and digital products for seniors during the sacred Hajj pilgrimage.
HajjSafer connects tours, pilgrims, and safety authorities enabling them to find and assist missing senior pilgrims, ensuring a safer Hajj experience for all.
ImamAI (Kazakhstan)
ImamAI is the groundbreaking iOS app that connects you to a virtual, AI-powered Imam, ready to answer all your questions about Islam. Harnessing the cutting-edge capabilities of GPT and a vast database, ImamAI offers insightful, data-driven responses on Quranic, Hadith, and general Islamic inquiries through an engaging chat interface.
Impact Lens (Switzerland)
Our AI software is the superpower charities have awaited. It not only analyses data to optimize every dollar but also forecasts future challenges, ensuring resources stay ahead. It's more than tech; it's forecasting the future of good, one charity at a time.
Levelz (UAE)
n Levelz, talents take flight,
Tackling challenges, shining bright.
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Earn Bitcoin rewards, day or night.
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Mindflow Health (UK)
Dementia is the healthcare crisis of our generation with a global cost of $1.3 trillion annually. Mindflow Health is a digital clinic delivering effective methods of preventing dementia at scale. Our mission is to preserve the memories, independence and dignity of millions of people across the world.
Najaa (Australia)
Building the first comprehensive mobile app that will help the pornography addicted muslims and non muslims to recover from this new drug. Helping users to build their tailored recovery plan by providing resources like courses, meditations and support groups.
New Beginnings (UK)
New Muslims, converts and those of other faiths seeking to know more about Islam are severely underserved. Current offerings are often being met as an afterthought, by organisations which have a much wider remit and therefore aren’t adequately resourced to meet this growing need.
Qalboo (Indonesia)
Qalboo is an all-in-one wellness and lifestyle companion for Muslims. A platform that goes beyond the conventional mindfulness apps; we provide a comprehensive well-being solution designed to empower Muslims in navigating their daily lives while fostering strong mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Features include Counseling, Well-being Programs, Quran Journaling, and many more.
Rahma Health (Australia)
‘Rahma’ is a charity healing our world through health education and community.
Rahma supports Arabic-speaking families globally to be healthy, celebrate loving relationships and give their children the best start to life. We support families in the most critical period of development: pregnancy to 5 years.
Ruh (Canada)
Ruh Care is an online therapy platform dedicated to delivering exceptional mental health care. Our mission is to provide accessible, culturally and faith-sensitive professional mental health care in line with Islamic principles. With Ruh Care, users can connect with licensed Muslim therapists via text, voice, or video as they navigate through life. Managing your care accessibly all in one place to help you live a happier life.
Seen On Screen (UK)
The Seen on Screen Institute exists to provide world class research and tools to measure the way Muslims are represented in the Arts for the Arts Industry, Academia and the Media
SUKUUK (Germany)
Muslims in the EU face limited property buying options due to riba prohibition against conventional financing. Our mission bridges this gap, connecting ethical homebuyers seeking sustainable funding with secure property investments offering rental income to investors.
Taahirah (UK)
1.8 billion women experience menstruation annually. While mainstream menstrual apps serve 48 million users, Taahirah bridges a critical gap: empowering Muslim women to manage menstrual health in line with Islamic duties. By fostering confidence in Muslim women and countering knowledge gaps and stigma, Taahirah transforms women’s health management worldwide.
Tarjimly (USA)
Bridging the language gap for refugees globally. Our AI-powered app instantly matches refugees with a network of 53K+ volunteer translators, offering support in 175+ languages. By providing free language services, Tarjimly cuts humanitarian response time and fosters equitable access to essential services.
Waqf Engine (Australia)
Elevating Islamic giving to new heights by merging high-performance algorithmic investing, professional investment education, and the timeless Waqf tradition. Whether bolstering a charity, establishing a family legacy, or amplifying your Sadaqah Jaariya, Waqf Engine is your platform for enduring impact and high-impact philanthropy
ZAIYA (UK)
ZAIYA is an online rental marketplace offering Muslim women premium and contemporary modest wear. We aim to encourage reuse and minimise textile waste through a circular fashion model. All garments are handpicked from independent retailers, with the goal of reshaping Muslim women's fashion consumption habits through the rental experience.
What’s On Offer
The inaugural Continuum Spark Award is a groundbreaking global search to find solutions to today’s most pressing issues. Through the GMW Network, the global call for ideas will culminate in 7 finalists being flown and hosted at the GMW Doha event on the 12th of November 2023, to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. The winning idea will be awarded a $100,000 cash investment, with the top three ideas also receiving a further $50,000 worth of Brand development, Consulting and Mentoring to build and create an everlasting impact.
The Problem
People around the world are facing unprecedented challenges - from the displacement of populations, social inequality, the rise of ideologies, loss of intention, inner conflicts, economic crisis, to the loss of appreciation for creation; these are just some of the issues that are in need of our greatest attention
These challenges require our unwavering focus and concerted efforts to find innovative solutions that can make a meaningful impact at a human level.
“Verily, Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves” [al-Ra’d 13:11]
The Challenge
The Continuum Spark Award are searching for social impact startups that propose innovative ideas that can make a positive impact towards the lives of Muslims and beyond. These ideas should bring people closer to Allah SWT and enlighten them through the values of Islam.
We welcome a variety of solutions and creative ideas that aim to make a difference, whether they're focused on local, national, or global issues. These solutions should be tech-based, scalable, financially sustainable and have a significant social impact on their intended audience.
Social Impact
Your idea should have a significant social impact, aimed at improving the lives of Muslims and beyond. The initiative should be able to target social transformation and be disruptive in improving lives at a regional, national, multi-country, or global scale.
Inflexion point
Why now? Demonstrate why it is a critical time to act on this particular issue. It may be a long-running social issue or an emerging concern to humanity. Either way, the proposed idea should provide a viable solution to these concerns.
Ability to deliver
The organization or team are united with their goal to make a positive impact on society and have a plan to make it happen. The people in the group have the ability to work well with key stakeholders in the Continuum eco-system
GMW Doha
The top 7 finalists will be invited to the GMW Doha on the 12th of November 2023, where they will pitch their ideas to a panel of experts and experience the GMW Doha.
One representative from your organisation will be flown to Doha, offered 6 nights’ accommodation and ground transfers included courtesy of the GMW Network.
On the morning of the 17th of November, you will have 10 minutes to pitch your idea, followed by a Q&A from the panel. The winners of the award will be announced on the final afternoon of GMW Doha.
How It Works
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Start
Express your interest in applying below
Open Now -
Apply
Receive a link to submit a concise top-level application
Closes - 20th August
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Final 50
Share a 5 minute video application about your project idea
Deadline - 31st August
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Final 20
Invited to a 15 minute interview with industry leaders
Conducted between 5th - 15th September
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Final 7
Pitch live at GMW Doha and be part of the $250k award fund
Announced by 30th September
Crowdfund Your Next Idea
The Continuum Spark Award may have closed for this year, however, your idea could achieve its goals through other means, such as crowdfunding for example.
To get connected with a LaunchGood account manager and explore crowdfunding your idea, complete this short form and one of the LaunchGood team will be in touch.
FAQ’s
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The Continuum Spark Award, hosted by the GMW Network is a $250k investment for ideas looking to improve the lives of people around the world and illuminating humanity through faith-based values.
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The Continuum Spark Award is sponsored by The Collective Continuum in partnership with GMW Network
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Complete the interest form at www.gmw.network/spark and you will emailed a link to complete the application form. The process involves submitting a detailed proposal outlining your project or initiative, along with any supporting documents and references.
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The Spark Award aims to support startups that can make a difference in improving the lives of Muslims around the world and illuminate Humanity with the light of the Divine. This involves addressing the challenges faced by people around the world today, and working to bring about positive change through innovative and impactful solutions.
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If you’re one of the final 7 chosen, you’ll be flown to Doha for 6 nights to pitch at the event. GMW Doha is the flagship event of the GMW Network with seminars, workshops and great networking opportunities to grow your idea.
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The winners of The Spark Award are selected through a rigorous evaluation process that involves a panel of expert judges with extensive knowledge and experience in the field of venture philanthropy. The applications will be assessed on their social impact, innovation, scalability, and potential for long-term sustainability.
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In addition to the $100,000 cash investment for the winning idea, the top three ideas will also get $50,000 worth of Brand development and Consulting & Mentoring for 3 months to ‘nail & scale’ their social impact.
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Yes, The Spark Award is open to organizations and individuals from around the world. It is not limited to any specific country or region.
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We are considering a number of potential categories for change. We are looking for startups and ideas that can make a difference in improving the lives of Muslims and beyond around the world, to bring about positive change. Our natural disposition is that we are open to ideas as long as they are unique and are seeking to disrupt in a way that is financially viable and achieves scale and depth.