Cemex has joined forces with a range of partners, including Microsoft for Startups, to launch a global "Restarting Together" initiative designed to help projects recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cemex says "Restarting Together" (RT) will promote projects developed by entrepreneurs and SMEs. The idea is that RT will find and boost ideas that can help to speed up economic recovery and create a more resilient society.
RT will focus on "projects that seek to expedite the return to normality after the confinement period caused by the pandemic," say the partners.
"It will also identify projects aimed at improving employment, revitalising small businesses and creating networks and financial aid mechanisms for crisis situations."
Additionally, the challenge encourages entrants to propose solutions that could bolster the way in which cities respond to any type of future crisis.
Interested participants can present their proposals online by 30 June.
Proposals will be evaluated based on their social and economic impact, feasibility, rapid implementation time and degree of sustainability and innovation.
Nine of the most promising projects will present their solution on a digital "Pitch Day" on 9 September 2020.
The organising companies' representatives will select three winners to share their vision with leaders from the supporting companies.
The winners will receive access to corporate resources from the organising companies, including potential investment.
All proposals should be available for development, promotion and implementation by the companies organising Restarting Together.
As well as Cemex and Microsoft for Startups, the sponsor partners include Airbus, BizLab, BASF, Boston Consulting Group, Endeavor, IDB Lab, IE, IESE Business School, South Summit and Telefonica.
