Social Innovative Incubator

The uniqueness of social innovation projects lies in its self-sustainability – it is able to solve a series of major social issues after tacking one. For example, if low-cost solar energy-powered lighting systems are distributed to socio-economically disadvantaged community, this system could serve as an affordable alternative of kerosene lamps; thus the people are able to spend more on food or have access to higher education. In a nutshell, social innovation provides a platform for the disadvantaged to seek self-reliance.

Currently, many NGOs and social entrepreneurs are taking a lead in social innovation. The loftiness of humanism and spirit of innovation perpetually motivate their hard work, but on the other hand, the sustainability of the solutions they present has predetermined their value. These projects/organizations are often highly dedicated to their work while facing a variety of difficulties, such as the lack of resources, skills, and social recognition. In addition, they may have to spend time and efforts processing administrative and logistic affairs that do not add value to their core competency.

Therefore, BCSSA hopes to establish an initiative, the Social Innovation Incubator (SII), which aims to support student-initiated projects that promote social innovation and deliver solutions to entangled social and environmental problems in Asia. Different from other commercial incubators, the SII is focused on early-stage projects, or even concepts, and brings in an array of supports, resources and constructive feedbacks to empower them.

Based on the characteristics and functions of an incubator, this Social Innovation Incubator, run by Berkeley community and students, will be accommodating social entrepreneurs with assistance from the aspects of Humanity, Innovation and Sustainability (HIS). We believe through providing them the training of HIS, they will end up gaining a clearer vision of their target and a more manageable way of operating the project, thus maximizing the efficiency. In the long run, SII hopes to establish a system of consistently offering support to NGOs and social entrepreneurs, connecting student leaders from both the Bay Area and Asia, and creating a group entrepreneurship environment.