Welsh start-up One Million Steps: Building a Healthier World for Giving® is one of just 15 UK start-ups chosen for Google LaunchPad 2015 in London.
The Welsh ICE Caerphilly based Social Venture will work with eight mentors a day, including some leading experts in their fields; to develop their Web and Mobile App which integrates health challenges with fundraising and digital community engagement to drive social impact.
Founder, Ranjit Ghoshal, came up with the idea for the venture after injuring his knee while training to do a half marathon to raise money for charity needing key hole surgery.
Realising that thousands of people do not take part in challenges due to fitness or financial constraints, that there is an obesity crisis and that major events are too demanding on resources for small charities, Ranjit spotted an opportunity to develop an integrated platform connecting challenges with people, charities and businesses.
“When I did the research, I was surprised at the costs and barriers involved in taking part in many challenges. It made sense to build a digital platform where challenges could be customised, and where the whole country could do a major challenge together but, at the same time, we could localise it and build lasting relationships between communities and local charities and businesses,” Ranjit said. “Being chosen by Google is both humbling and a fantastic opportunity to build a product that can have a huge impact on many lives”
“But my early journey began at Welsh ICE, where Gareth Jones and the staff first gave me the support and confidence to keep plugging away at the business”
The week-long programme will be followed up with ongoing support leveraging Google’s infrastructure, resources and expertise, giving the guidance needed to successfully develop and launch the Million Steps platform.
One Million Steps is looking for 10 businesses and charities, especially in Caerphilly, to work with as Founding Members “We are looking for organisations who have a great social ethos and passion for change to join us in building a healthier world for giving”
-Ranjit
You can read more on the One Million Steps website here.