Dozens of social innovation projects from all over the country have applied to the YSI Den in 2016. The closing date for applications was today, 2nd February.

Through the YSI Den, with support from Ulster Bank, a Social Innovation Fund is made available to groups who successfully pitch for assistance to support or develop an idea, product or enterprise. Young Social Innovators and Ulster Bank recently announced a new partnership to ensure that social innovation in Ireland continues to be fostered from a young age.

Teams were invited to apply for money, means, mentoring or any combination of the three to advance the work they are doing through YSI. The scope of social issues being challenged range from mental health to global development, from tackling teenage obesity to raising awareness on food allergies. Other issues include, among others, online safety, water conservation, road safety, gender equality and  homelessness.

Two YSI Den events will take place in 2016, one in Dublin on the 23rd February and one in Cork on 25th.

The thirty-seven applicants will be reviewed and a shortlist invited to pitch their ideas to the YSI Den Dragons. The Dragon Panels will comprise of representatives from Young Social Innovators and Ulster Bank as well as the YSI Youth Panel.

Teams shortlisted to pitch in the Den will be notified in coming days and will be sent further information on how to prepare.

Stay updated on the Den by following @YSINow on Twitter throughout February as we will be profiling the shortlisted teams and announcing the grants awarded.