2021 OSV Challenge Announces Semi-Finalists and Accelerator Partnership with University of Saint Thomas – Houston

Posted: 06/28/2021 | Press Releases

Innovative ideas move to semi-final round of annual competition to win $100,000;
UST joins as accelerator partner

Huntington, IN, June 29, 2021 – OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation announces the next phase of the 2021 OSV Challenge, a multi-round entrepreneurial competition designed to accelerate unique project ideas in any stage from Catholics whose faith has motivated them to make a difference. Out of 182 innovators from Round Two, a total of 24 applicants have been selected to advance to the Semi-Final Round, as they compete for one of three prizes of $100,000 each to advance their missions. The Semi-Final Round includes the six-week OSV Challenge Accelerator, which the University of St. Thomas in Houston (UST) is coordinating the curriculum and mentoring process for this year.

The OSV Challenge Accelerator offers the next-level professional guidance, spiritual formation, and personal development needed for optimal impact on the Church and the world.  This year’s Accelerator is sponsored by UST, located in Houston, Texas, the destination city for this year’s OSV Innovation Summit, the culminating finale for the 2021 OSV Challenge. The University plays a vital role by providing an 18-hour summer boot camp that includes in-person and online entrepreneurial education with content that enhances the spiritual development and business acumen of the Catholic innovators. Alongside OSV Institute, UST will also develop a success scorecard to evaluate the program and provide input to the judges determining the 12 finalists from the 24 semi-finalists.

“It’s an honor to partner with Dr. Ludwick and his team as we continue to enhance the OSV Challenge Accelerator experience for our semi-finalists. UST’s focus on innovation, along with their view of the University as an apostolate for the New Evangelization, makes them an ideal strategic partner for the OSV Challenge,” said Jason Shanks, President of OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation.

“UST and OSV Institute are embarking together on a new collaboration,” UST President Dr. Richard Ludwick said. “Our mutual purpose is as ancient as the Christian experience and as future focused as the promise of tomorrow. Innovation is a hallmark of Catholic vitality, and it is altogether right and good that UST and OSV Institute would team up to advance it. We are excited by the potential this relationship brings.”

This year’s pool of 24 semi-finalists consists of the following: Saint Joseph’s Home for Artisans, The Innovative Catholic Lab School, Tabella, MyCatholicDoctor, FemCatholic, Safe Passage Project, Quo Vadis Catholic, Simple Small Group, Red Bird Ministries, Faith Journeys Foundation, Perfect Love Casts Out Fear, Iskali Hispanic Ministry, Cycle Prep, Springs in the Desert, Visible Miracles for the Mass, Dragon Slayers, Bendecida, Fiat Project, Catholic in Recovery, Dropout, De Porres Project, The Hem of Christ Ministry, Connect, and Accepting the Gift.

Upon completion of the OSV Challenge Accelerator, 12 finalists will be announced on August 30 that have demonstrated their ability to blaze a trail,  leave a legacy, and actualize their ideas, best representing the core values of the OSV Challenge. “These finalists, and all our challengers, have heard God’s call to create a better world.  The Accelerator will facilitate them on their journey to enrich the Church,” said Dr. Matt Smith, Director of Strategic Alliances at OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation.

This year’s contest will conclude with the OSV Innovation Summit, a weekend of special festivities taking place in Houston on September 17-19.  The OSV Challenge Showcase will be the featured event for the weekend on September 18, in which the 12 finalists present their sharpened pitches to a panel of 5 judges, in the presence of their peers and investors, in pursuit of one of three $100,000 prizes and/or further investment. A limited number of tickets are available to the public for $79 each and can be purchased at osvinstitute.com/summit.

For more information on the 24 semi-finalists and a complete press kit, visit osvchallenge.com/press.

To schedule an interview with Jason Shanks or Dr. Matt Smith, contact Carrie Kline at carriek@revolutionizingmissions.com.

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In 1915, Fr. John Francis Noll began OSV Institute to extend the reach of Our Sunday Visitor in service and support of Catholic organizations. Over $80 million has been granted to Catholic organizations to date. In 2021, the name evolved to OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation to better identify with a strategy evolution focusing on innovation. OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation continues to serve the Church by inspiring and encouraging innovative and effective Church-related programs and activities that forge new paths for people to encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church. Learn more at osvinstitute.com.

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