CALL FOR PROPOSAL – INNOVATION CHALLENGE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS - INNOVATION CHALLENGE
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We are pleased to invite English language educators, trainers, curriculum developers, educational leaders, student teachers, and innovators to participate in the Innovation Challenge Showcase at the 5th OPEN English Language Expo 2025. This exciting challenge provides a platform to identify key educational problems, propose innovative solutions, and present creative models that address challenges in English language teaching and learning.
ABOUT THE INNOVATION CHALLENGE SHOWCASE
The Innovation Challenge aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Participants are encouraged to develop and showcase sustainable solutions to challenges in English language education. The focus is on improving the quality of education and enhancing educational infrastructure to foster innovation in teaching methodologies.
Participants will address a specific problem in language education, design a prototype or model, and present their innovative approach to solving it. These could include new teaching tools, technological solutions, or instructional strategies aimed at improving access to quality education and supporting sustainable teaching practices.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We invite proposals that:
- Identify a specific problem in English language teaching or educational infrastructure.
- Propose innovative, actionable solutions with a focus on sustainability and industry-relevant practices.
- Include a prototype, model, or detailed plan that demonstrates how the solution can be implemented in real educational contexts.
- Foster creativity and critical thinking in both teaching methodologies and the development of educational tools or technologies.
- Highlight the potential for scalability, ensuring that the solution can be adapted or expanded in diverse educational settings.
- Engage the audience in discussions about the feasibility and impact of the proposed solution.
CHALLENGE FORMAT
- Teams from an institute will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions during a 15-minute session.
- Presentations should include a demonstration or showcase of the proposed model or prototype.
- A Q&A session (5-10 mins) will follow each presentation, where participants can engage with the audience to receive feedback, explore collaboration opportunities, and discuss practical implications.
WHO CAN APPLY ?
We are looking for passionate individuals and teams, including:
- OPEN Program alumni (GOC/RELO tailored Courses)
- English language teachers, educational leaders, curriculum developers, professionals, and student-teachers
- Teams of 2-5 members affiliated with an institution
- A maximum of 2 teams can apply from the same institution
- Only institutions based in Karachi are eligible to apply
SUBMISSION GUIDELINE
Title of the Innovation/Challenge Solution
Write name of your challenge (10 words max)
Abstract (80-100 words)
Briefly describe the problem you're addressing and your proposed innovative solution
Problem Statement (200-300 words)
What specific issue in English language education are you targeting?
Why is this an important challenge in the context of SDG 9 and SDG 4?
How does your proposed solution address this issue?
Innovative Solution (200-300 words)
Provide a detailed explanation of your proposed solution, including the prototype/model you plan to develop and showcase
Explain how your innovation supports sustainable, scalable solutions in language education
Learning Outcomes
Describe how your solution will benefit students, educators, or institutions, and what the audience will gain from your session
Biographical Information
Provide a brief bio (50-100 words) for each participant or team member, including current institution, experience, and relevant accomplishments
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Deadline to submit your proposal is, November 10, 2024 till 11:59 PM (PKT)
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE
You will receive notification of acceptance by, November 30, 2024
PROPOSAL EVALUATION RUBRIC
SELECTION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated on the following:
- Relevance to SDG 4 & 9 and alignment with the expo theme, “Transforming English Language Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow”
- Innovation and creativity in solving a specific problem in language education
- Feasibility and practicality of the proposed solution, including its potential for real-world implementation
- Scalability of the solution to other teaching contexts or educational systems
- Engagement and interactivity during the presentation
KEY ACTIVITIES AND PHASES
Phase 1: Problem Identification and Registration
What You Do:
- Register as a team (up to 2-5 members)
- Identify a key challenge related to English language teaching or learning within your community. Some examples of challenges might include:
-
o Addressing language barriers in rural or underserved areas
o Developing resources for underfunded schools
o Integrating technology into classrooms with limited resources
o Improving teacher training and professional development for better student outcomes
How to apply:
- Submit a brief proposal outlining the identified challenge and your initial solution idea
- Proposals should include a clear problem statement and a preliminary solution concept
- Submit your proposal via (Google form link)
- Submission Format:
-
o Problem Statement (Max 200 words)
o Proposed Solution Overview (Max 300 words)
o Team Details (Names, roles, and contact information) - Submission Deadline: 10 November 2024 till11:59 PM (PKT)
Review Process:
- A panel of experts will review and shortlist the most promising proposals
- Selection Notification: 30 November 2024
Phase 2: Innovation Development (Most probably in mid of December)
What Happens During the Development Stage?
- Shortlisted teams will attend workshops and mentoring sessions focused on:
-
o Creative problem-solving techniques
o Prototype development and refining ideas
o Effective communication and pitching skills
o Planning for implementation and scalability - Teams will develop their solutions, which may include lesson plans, teaching aids, digital tools, or community-based projects
- Mentors from OPEN Pakistan Program will offer feedback and guidance throughout the development phase
Phase 3: Final Presentation and Judging (Expo Day)
What You Will Do:
- Present your solution to a panel of judges, including representatives from RELO Pakistan, educational leaders, and innovation experts
- Your presentation should cover:
-
o A clear explanation of the problem
o The innovative solution and its potential impact on education
o A demonstration or prototype, if applicable
o A plan for implementation and scalability
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation and creativity of the solution
- Feasibility and practicality
- Potential impact on English language education
- Presentation quality and clarity
Awards and Recognition
- Winners will be awarded certificates, prizes, and recognition at national and international forums of Global OPEN Community and Regional English Language Office at US Embassy Pakistan
- Top 3 teams may get an opportunity to work with OPEN alumni through an OPEN Alumni Small Grant to implement their solutions
- Selected teams may gain access to mentorship and development opportunities from American English Language Specialist (ELS) to further refine and scale their projects
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding the proposal submission process, please contact us at 0300-8518575 or 0320-2670493 open@evolution.com.pk
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Innovation Challenge Showcase is a core event of the 5th OPEN English Language Expo 2025, where educators, curriculum developers, and innovators propose solutions to key educational challenges in English language teaching. Participants will identify a specific problem, develop innovative solutions, and present models or prototypes aimed at addressing issues related to Sustainable Development Goals specifically SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
The theme of the expo and the Innovation Challenge is “Transforming English Language Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” The challenge focuses on SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), encouraging participants to propose innovative solutions that foster sustainable teaching practices and infrastructure improvements in language education.
OPEN Alumni (GOC/RELO tailored courses), English language teachers, educational leaders, curriculum developers, professionals, and student-teachers from the institutes of Karachi. Teams of 2-5 members or individual entries are welcome, with a maximum of 2 teams per institution.
The final presentation will be at the Expo on 25-26 January 2025, where participants will present their solutions to a panel of judges.
The deadline to submit proposals is 10 November 2024.
Shortlisted teams will be notified by 30 November 2024.
If your proposal is accepted:
- You will attend workshops and mentoring sessions in mid-December to refine your solution, develop prototypes, and enhance your presentation skills.
- Mentors from the OPEN Pakistan Program will guide you in developing your solution, which can include lesson plans, teaching aids, or digital tools.
On the day of the Expo:
- You will have 15 minutes to present your solution, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with the audience and judges.
- Presentations should include a demonstration of the prototype or model and a clear explanation of the problem, solution, and its potential impact.
- Judges will evaluate based on innovation, feasibility, potential impact, and presentation quality.
Yes, participants in the Innovation Challenge Showcase may receive:
- Certificates, prizes, and national/international recognition through the Global OPEN Community and the Regional English Language Office at the US Embassy in Pakistan.
- The top 3 teams may get an opportunity to work with OPEN Alumni to implement their solutions through an OPEN Alumni Small Grant.
- Selected participants may gain access to mentorship and development opportunities from American English Language Specialists (ELS) to further refine and scale their projects.
Yes, teams are encouraged to participate. Teams can have 2-5 members, and each institution is allowed to submit a maximum of two teams.
Shortlisted teams will receive:
- Access to workshops on creative problem-solving, prototype development, and pitching skills.
- Mentorship from the OPEN Pakistan Program to refine their solutions and prepare for the final presentation.
Yes, AI can be used, but it must not contribute more than 20% of the overall content. It should assist in refining ideas, not generating core concepts or research findings.
For any inquiries about the Innovation Challenge, contact: 0300-8518575/0320-267049 or email us at open@evolution.com.pk