After a successful first year of competition, the REVIERPIONIER ideas competition is entering its second round. From January 9 to February 29, 2024, the state of Saxony-Anhalt is calling on all citizens, associations, non-profit institutions, schools and daycare centers in the districts of Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Burgenlandkreis, Mansfeld-Südharz, Saalekreis and the city of Halle (Saale) to help shape structural change in the region. Prize money of one million euros is once again available for the implementation of local project ideas.
The "Structural Change in the Central German Coalfield" staff unit of the State Chancellery and Ministry of Culture launched the REVIERPIONIER ideas competition in 2022 in line with the state motto #moderndenken to promote structural change in the lignite mining region in Saxony-Anhalt and, in particular, the involvement of civil society.
Dr. Reiner Haseloff, Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, said:
"Saxony-Anhalt stands for successful transformation, for sustainability and future viability. The REVIERPIONIER ideas competition combines participation and innovative spirit in a convincing way and I invite you to take part in this competition again this year. Because shaping structural change means shaping your own future, means shaping our country."
Dr. Jürgen Ude, State Secretary for Structural Change, adds: "The success of the first year of the competition has inspired us in many ways. The people in the Central German mining region live their region and they have an excellent feel for local developments. I am looking forward to this year's submissions."
During the application phase from January 9 to February 29, 2024, interested citizens, clubs, associations, chambers, foundations, social institutions, universities, schools, kindergartens and municipal and scientific institutions from the aforementioned districts can submit their projects easily and unbureaucratically using the online form at www.revierpionier.de.
Following a preliminary assessment by the project team, a broad-based jury made up of representatives from local authorities, youth parliaments, business and trade unions, schools and universities, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, culture, volunteers and the state government as well as other important civil society players will select the winners of this year's competition.
The winners will be announced in June 2024. The prize money will also be paid out from June 2024. No financial contribution is required. In the event of an award, the implementation of the project must demonstrably begin in 2024 and be completed by May 31, 2025.
Categories
Projects can be submitted in three categories:
REVIERGESTALTEN: This category focuses on the community. We are looking for project ideas that improve the quality of life in the Central German mining region of Saxony-Anhalt and strengthen civic engagement and understanding for a sustainable future.
ZUKUNFTGESTALTEN: We are looking for project ideas by and for children and young people. This category focuses on the topics of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM), social issues, crafts, sport and culture. Minors can submit their ideas with the support of an adult representative.
FOUNDING: This category promotes start-ups in the pre-start-up phase. We are looking for innovative and novel approaches to structural and climate protection. The regional focus and degree of innovation play a special role in these business ideas.
Prize levels
Within the competition, the projects submitted are divided into "small", "medium" and "large" according to their size. The maximum prize money in the small prize category is 4,500 euros, in the medium category 12,000 euros and for large project ideas 21,000 euros. The GRÜNDERGESTALTEN category includes a lump sum of 6,000 euros in prize money.
Online information event "In demand!"
In preparation for the project submission, the project team is once again offering the online information event "In demand!". Citizens and civil society actors are cordially invited to register for one of the four events and ask their questions:
Asked! -Dates
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Monday, January 29, 2024
Each from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., via video conference (Zoom)
Interested parties are asked to find out about the competition in advance. Information on competition categories, conditions of participation and questions and answers (FAQ) can be found at www.revierpionier.de/wettbewerb
Registration at https://lsaurl.de/Nachgefragt will be accepted until one day before the event.
Further information and online application:
The REVIERPIONIER project team can be contacted ator 0341/600 16 270. Detailed information on the competition and application atwww.revierpionier.de.
Background information
The state of Saxony-Anhalt is calling on all citizens, associations, non-profit institutions, schools and daycare centers in the districts of Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Burgenlandkreis, Mansfeld-Südharz, Saalekreis and the city of Halle to work together as REVIERPIONIERE to shape structural change in the region. Prize money of 1 million euros is available each year for the implementation of local project ideas.
The competition is funded as part of the "Strengthening the transformation dynamics and new beginnings in the coal mining areas and at coal-fired power plant sites - STARK" funding program.
The ideas competition is being implemented via the European Metropolitan Region of Central Germany (EMMD). Companies, cities and districts, chambers and associations as well as universities and research institutions from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are involved in the transnational EMMD network.
Aufbauwerk Region Leipzig coordinates the payment of the prize money for the ideas competition.
Source: State Chancellery and Ministry of Culture of Saxony-Anhalt