OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation Announces Winners of 2022 OSV Challenge
Huntington, IN, October 7, 2022 – OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation awarded $300,000 in prizes to Diary of a God-Man, My Guardian Dear, Saints Alive Podcast and VCON at the conclusion of the third OSV Challenge.
Over 1,000 innovators entered the 9-month contest with ideas to impact the Catholic Church and the world. Those ideas were narrowed down over 5 rounds of intense courses including Value Proposition, Business Model Canvas and an 8-week Accelerator. The entrepreneurs who demonstrated creativity, grit, hustle and those with the most revolutionary ideas came out on top.
“The OSV Challenge is more than just a competition of winning ideas to impact the Church,” stated Institute President Jason Shanks. “It is driven, motivated and inspired by the passion of the people behind those ideas. These Catholic men and women are the spearheads of innovation, the saints-in-the-making and the go-getters in entrepreneurship.”
The competition narrowed down to 9 finalists in September, and Diary of a God-Man, My Guardian Dear, Saints Alive Podcast and VCON were selected to receive funding to advance their missions and build the Church. The entire list of finalists can be viewed at the Institute’s website: osvinstitute.com/osvchallenge/2022-finalists/
The Creative Arts track winner is Saints Alive, a radio theater podcast for kids on the lives of the saints. Their mission is to redeem art and inspire the next generation through truth and beauty. The podcast is produced by Melissa and Alex Dee.
“Being a part of this Challenge was the best decision we’ve made in our first year starting Saints Alive Podcast. We learned quickly that even the best ideas will fail without asking the hard questions, pushing the envelope and setting in motion a business plan,” said Melissa. “It was just as inspiring as it was exhausting (they put you to work!) and we couldn’t recommend it more highly to anyone considering joining the Challenge!”
Watch the Saints Alive introduction and learn more about their mission at saintsalivepodcast.com.
The Entrepreneur track winner is Diary of a God-Man which was created by Kevin & Tiffany Dickinson and their seven children. Diary of a God-Man is a graphic novel style Children’s Liturgy for the Mass. The illustrations were Created by KIDS for KIDS with the goal of engaging children with scripture.
“The OSV Challenge was just that…a Challenge! We were challenged spiritually, mentally and even physically without time and energy,” stated Kevin Dickinson. “These challenges made our faith, family and business so much stronger and for that we will be forever grateful!”
Watch the Diary of a God-Man introduction and learn more about their mission at diaryofagodman.com.
The first Technology track winner is My Guardian Dear, a project of CCC of America. CCC of America presents an innovative app, designed specifically for children so they may find peace, joy and tools for being closer to God and help with their emotions.
CEO, Juan Carlos stated, “Being at the OSV Challenge was a great experience for all our team. An incredible journey through entrepreneurship assignments, innovation and spiritual life, guided by great mentors and tutors and creating amazing bonds between challengers and the OSV Institute.”
Watch My Guardian Dear’s introduction and learn more about their app at cccofamerica.com.
The second Technology track winner is VCON, a napkin idea put forth by President Mike Day. VCON harnesses VR technology to transform any room into a personalized sacred space. This immersive new faith experience offers an unprecedented opportunity for spiritual nourishment and renewal.
“I entered the OSV Challenge with a “napkin idea,” a crafty proposal sustained by little more than wishful thinking yet came away emboldened with a solid model and plan to make it a reality,” said Day. “I cannot express enough my gratitude for the wealth of resources generously provided to cultivate the idea and holistic support rooted in the richness of our faith to persevere through the most difficult moments of the iterative process. It has been a remarkable experience that challenged my own limitations and has not only given life to an innovation but helped me grow as a Catholic leader.”
Watch VCON’s introduction and learn more about their app at corignistech.com.
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To request an interview with any of the four winning teams, contact Stephanie Mahoney, smahoney@osv.com.
For more information and a complete press kit, visit osvinstitute.com/press.
About OSV Institute: 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 $90 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.
