A nationwide search is on for the 50 most exciting people and projects tackling societal problems in the UK, as New Radicals 2016 opens to entries.

Run by The Observer and innovation foundation Nesta, the public are invited to nominate those making a difference in their communities or further afield.

This might include supporting vulnerable groups such as the elderly or disadvantaged, transforming the delivery of public services or developing new, ground-breaking technologies.

New Radicals first launched in 2012 and was repeated in 2014 when more than 1,000 entries were submitted and whittled down to just 50 by an expert judging panel. These included:

·         StreetBnk: A neighbourhood sharing website which provides people with a platform to swap and lend items.

·         Bio Bean: Recycling used coffee into sustainable, low-carbon biofuels.

·         Cocktails in Care Homes: Tackling isolation amongst care home residents by hosting monthly evening cocktail parties.

·         Peek Vision: An easy-to-use, affordable and portable system for testing eyes anywhere in the world.

From today, the public can apply or nominate a group or individual for New Radicals 2016, just visit www.nesta.org.uk before March 30th.

Entries will be judged by a panel that includes Chief Digital Officer for The Co-operative Group Mike Bracken, BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Twin B and Chief Operating Officer of Apps for Good Debbie Forster with the final list published in the summer.

Geoff Mulgan, chief executive of Nesta, comments: “Many of the boldest ideas come from people on the ground grappling with problems that need solving or gaps in knowledge that need filling. New Radicals was created to shine a light on those whose work and achievements often go overlooked but whose pioneering methods could, and often have, proved revolutionary.”

Jane Ferguson editor of The Observer's New Review says: “It is inspiring to meet individuals and groups who are finding fresh ways of changing how different worlds work. And I am thrilled to see the continued flourishing of many of our past radicals.” 

New Radicals 2016 will be invited to a celebratory event in London and join the New Radicals alumni network, now 100 strong, to support their ideas and development.

You can see the full list of 2012 and 2014 New Radicals on the Nesta and The Observer websites.

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Regional and sector case studies are available on request.

New Radicals

New Radicals is a search led by Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation, and The Observer to find the top people, projects and organisations offering innovative ways to tackle social challenges. It was first launched in 2012 and repeated in 2014 when 100 were chosen from across a broad range of sectors.

2016 New Radicals Judging Panel

Bryony Kimmings, performance artist and activist

Debbie Forster, Chief operating officer at Apps for Good

Fiona Duncan, Chief executive of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland

Geoff Mulgan, chief executive of Nesta

Georgia LA, writer, presenter and DJ

Jane Ferguson, The Observer New Review Editor

Mike Bracken, Chief Digital Officer for The Co-operative Group

Rohan Silva, former advisor to David Cameron and co-founder of Second Home

Tessy Britton, Co-founder/ director of Participatory City

Tony Colville, Consultant and adviser working in social innovation

Twin B, BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ

Yvonne Roberts, The Observer

 

For all media enquiries please contact Laura Scarrott in Nesta’s press office: [email protected] / 0207 438 2697