Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to ImagineNext.global ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how the Sustainable Innovation Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you visit our website, participate in the Imagine Next Challenge, register for the Imagine Next Summit, or interact with our services.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. By accessing or using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Register for the Imagine Next Challenge: Name, email address, organization/affiliation, innovation concept details, supporting documentation, and any other information you include in your submission
• Register for the Imagine Next Summit: Name, email address, phone number, organization, job title, dietary restrictions, accessibility requirements, and payment information
• Subscribe to our newsletter: Name and email address
• Contact us: Name, email address, subject matter, and message content
• Create an account: Username, password, profile information, and professional details
• Participate in surveys or feedback: Responses and opinions you provide

Innovation Submission Information

When you submit innovations to the Imagine Next Challenge, we collect:

• Technical descriptions of your innovation
• Documentation, presentations, and supporting materials
• Information about your team members and collaborators
• Market analysis and business model information
• Intellectual property disclosures (handled with strict confidentiality)

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: See our Cookie Policy section below

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Social media platforms if you connect your account
• Payment processors for Summit registration
• Professional networking platforms (e.g., LinkedIn) if you choose to share
• References provided during Challenge judging
• Co-sponsors and partners of our events (with your consent)

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

Challenge and Summit Operations

• Process and evaluate Challenge submissions
• Manage Summit registrations and attendee experiences
• Communicate event details, schedules, and updates
• Facilitate networking and connections among participants
• Coordinate live pilots and innovation showcases
• Arrange pitching sessions and investor meetings

Communication and Engagement

• Send newsletters and updates about sustainable innovation
• Notify you about relevant opportunities in climate tech
• Share results from the Challenge and Summit
• Provide personalized recommendations based on your interests
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests

Platform Improvement

• Analyze website usage to improve user experience
• Conduct research on innovation trends and patterns
• Develop new features and services
• Ensure platform security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms

Thought Leadership and Research

• Aggregate and anonymize data for research publications
• Create reports on sustainable innovation trends
• Develop case studies (with explicit consent)
• Contribute to the book "Imagine Next: Inventing Beyond the Goals We Inherited"

Nonprofit Mission Activities

• Advance our 501(c)(3) mission of building sustainable futures through global innovation
• Connect planet-first innovations with capital and resources
• Facilitate cross-sector collaboration for systemic solutions
• Support the regenerative innovation ecosystem
• Provide acknowledgment for tax-deductible contributions (when applicable)

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal bases for processing your personal data include:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for specific purposes
• Contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill our contract with you (e.g., Challenge participation, Summit registration)
• Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with the law
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (e.g., improving our services, preventing fraud) and does not override your rights

How We Share Your Information

With Your Consent

• Featuring winning innovations in public announcements
• Publishing case studies or success stories
• Connecting you with potential investors or partners
• Sharing your profile with Summit attendees (opt-in)

Service Providers and Partners

We share information with trusted third parties who assist us in:

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Payment processing
• Email communications
• Event management
• Data analysis and research
• Legal and accounting services

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

Challenge Judging and Evaluation

• Anonymous submissions shared with expert judges
• Evaluation panels composed of Berkeley ecosystem members, venture partners, and industry experts
• Advisory board members for strategic review

Summit Sponsors and Partners

• Attendee lists (name, organization, title only) shared with platinum sponsors
• Opt-in networking features allowing attendees to connect
• Contact information for specific programs or opportunities you express interest in

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required to:

• Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our terms and conditions
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or security threats

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy
• Comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

Specific Retention Periods:

• Challenge submissions: 5 years after submission
• Summit registrations: 3 years after event date
• Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
• Website analytics: 26 months
• Financial records: 7 years (legal requirement)

After the retention period, we will securely delete or anonymize your information.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

Access and Portability

• Request a copy of your personal data
• Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format

Correction and Updates

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Update your profile and preferences

Deletion ("Right to be Forgotten")

• Request deletion of your personal data
• Note: Some information may be retained for legal compliance

Restriction and Objection

• Restrict how we process your data
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Opt-out of marketing communications

Withdraw Consent

• Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
• Unsubscribe from communications

Lodge a Complaint

• File a complaint with your local data protection authority

To Exercise Your Rights:

Email us at hello@sustainableinnovationcouncil.org or contact our Data Protection Officer at the address provided below.

We will respond to your request within 30 days (or as required by applicable law).

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand website usage
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant content and advertisements

Your Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may impact website functionality.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Secure server infrastructure
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security audits and updates
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures

However, no internet transmission is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

International Data Transfers

ImagineNext.global operates globally. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions
• Your explicit consent where required

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will delete such information.

Donor Privacy

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our donors and supporters:

Information We Collect from Donors

• Name, address, email, and phone number
• Donation amount and payment information
• Company affiliation (for corporate sponsorships)
• Recognition preferences

How We Use Donor Information

• Process donations and issue tax receipts
• Provide donor acknowledgment and recognition (with consent)
• Send updates on our mission and impact
• Comply with IRS reporting requirements

Donor Rights

• Request that your name not be shared with third parties
• Opt-out of donor recognition lists
• Choose to remain anonymous
• Unsubscribe from fundraising communications while staying informed about programs

We do not sell, trade, or share donor information with third parties for their marketing purposes. Donor lists are never sold or rented.

Contributions to the Sustainable Innovation Council are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law (EIN: 99-4991422).

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including partner organizations, sponsors, and featured innovations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to Know: What personal information we collect, use, and disclose
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the "sale" of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your rights

California "Shine the Light" Law: You may request information about disclosure of personal information to third parties for direct marketing purposes.

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@sustainableinnovationcouncil.org.

Nevada Privacy Rights

Nevada residents have the right to opt-out of the sale of certain personal information. We do not sell your personal information as defined under Nevada law.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Providing a prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

About Sustainable Innovation Council

The Sustainable Innovation Council is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. We are dedicated to building sustainable futures through global innovation. The Imagine Next Summit, Imagine Next Challenge, and the upcoming book "Imagine Next: Inventing Beyond the Goals We Inherited" are initiatives of the Sustainable Innovation Council.

Specific Program Notices

Imagine Next Challenge Privacy Notice

Challenge participants should be aware:

• Submissions are reviewed by multiple judges and may be shared with expert evaluators
• Your Symbiotic Matrix scores are used for evaluation
• Winning innovations will be publicly announced and may be featured in publications
• Innovation details remain confidential unless you consent to disclosure
• Intellectual property rights remain with the innovator

Imagine Next Summit Privacy Notice

Summit attendees should be aware:

• Attendee lists may be shared with sponsors and participants for networking
• Photography and video recording may occur at the event
• Your participation in sessions and discussions may be referenced in post-event materials
• Opt-in networking features are available to facilitate connections
• Special accommodations requests are handled confidentially