🏆🏆 2 European Awards for Innovation for our Chatbot Sophia!
We are thrilled to share the remarkable news that our Sophia Chatbot claimed not just one but two important European prizes this year!
We are deeply honoured to have been awarded:
The first prize at the Social Innovation Tournament 2023 in Stockholm by the European Investment Bank.
The European Award for Innovation 2022/23 in at the Palace of Warsaw by the Institute for Innovation in Politics.
For us this this momentous recognition is not just a win for us but most importantly for people impacted by domestic violence globally. It sends a strong signal that violence against women needs to stop and that the way help is available is changing and increasing.
These two institutions have recognised that what sets Sophia apart is its commitment to supporting people impacted by domestic abuse in Europe and beyond, making it a symbol of hope and empowerment. The innovative evidence gathering capabilities of Sophia leave no digital footprint, providing a lifeline to those in need and offering a level of protection crucial for survivors. The significance of this recognition from the European Investment Bank and the Innovation in Politics Institute cannot be overstated. It is a testament to the strides we are making in our mission to broaden the impact of our technology and reach even more individuals affected by domestic abuse.
Sophia is accessible via sophia.chat or popular messenger apps already installed on your phone and therefore requiring no additional downloads. This is central in providing a crucial layer of protection against potential discovery by abusers.
🏆 LAUREATES OF THE EUROPEAN AWARD FOR INNOVATION
The Innovation in Politics Institute’s prestigious awards, guided by the theme “Courage Beats Prejudice,” recognised the most courageous and creative political projects across Europe. On 11 May 2023 at the Palace in Warsaw, 600 innovators from across the globe gathered to exchange ideas and collaborate on exciting new ventures across Europe. The Gala event in in the evening, the jury of over 1,000 European Citizen Jurors from 26 different countries chose our chatbot Sophia as the winner of the European Award for Innovation in the category Education! We are truly humbled and proud that our technology is recognised with this prestigious award and will help bring much needed empowerment to people impacted by domestic violence globally.
🥇 1st PRIZE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION BY THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK
The European Investment Bank (EIB), as the world’s largest multilateral financial institution, has added recognised our founder Rhiana as “The Most Innovative Social Entrepreneur” of the year and awarded our Chatbot Sophia with the first prize for social innovation! This recognition means a lot to after participating in the Social Innovation Tournament bootcamps in Vienna, online, and Stockholm alongside 14 truly outstanding, courageous and remarkable finalists all changing the world.
The award ceremony, held in Stockholm on the 28th of September, 2023, was a historic moment for our team. The first prize, a valuable EY mentoring voucher and a 100,000 Euro grant from the EIB, serves as both a validation of our efforts and a catalyst for future advancements in our technology dedicated to enhancing support for survivors of domestic abuse.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the EIB for their generous award, recognising its potential to drive substantial advancements in our technology. As we bask in the glory of this achievement, let us remember the stark reality—1 in 3 women, 3 out of 4 children, and an estimated 1 in 7 men worldwide experience domestic violence. This award is not just a laurel on our collective effort; it is a significant step towards a world where the impact of domestic abuse is significantly diminished. Together, we stand united in our commitment to creating positive change, and with each accolade, we draw closer to that brighter, more compassionate future.
Written by Caitlin Gee for Spring ACT
