Turning your idea for social impact into action

The programme aims to help students hone their social innovation skills and support them in taking concrete actions to make their ideas become a reality. Through a series of virtual and in-person events, students will have the chance to meet winners of one of the UK’s leading Social Innovation Prizes, be mentored by industry professionals and gain valuable practical and entrepreneurial skills that will help kickstart their social enterprises. This is the first year that the programme will run, and it is open to any student studying at the University of Cambridge. Some of the first students on the programme have received small grants to work on social impact ideas, leading up to a showcase event in June.

Dr Nicole Helwig, Trinity Hall Postdoctoral Research Associate and Executive Director of the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation, said “Trinity Hall Catalysts is a pioneering social impact programme based at Trinity Hall, open to all University of Cambridge students, regardless of college or subject.

“Building on the success of the Cambridge Social Innovation Prize, which celebrates the UK’s leading social innovators, this programme offers students the opportunity to design solutions for pressing social or environmental issues. Participants can gain valuable experience, enhance their CVs, and receive funding to bring their ideas to life. Catalysts equips students with the mindset, skills, and practical tools needed to address global challenges while championing ecological and social well-being over financial profit.

“I know Cambridge has so many talented people with amazing ideas and we can’t wait to meet them and help them on their journey.”