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R1 million grants from African Innovation Prize up for grabs

Got a good idea but need some cash to make it happen? How does a nice little investment of R1m sound to you? Good, because applications for the fourth edition of the African Innovation Foundation’s (AIF) Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) taking place in 2015 are now open.

The IPA takes place annually, enabling and encouraging African pioneers to develop creative ideas and techniques to overcome some of the challenges faced by the African communities and support sustainable development.

“At the African Innovation Foundation we are passionate about Africa and its potential, that we firmly believe will be led by empowering a new generation of African innovators and entrepreneurs. But we also recognise that this new generation needs the resources and the opportunities to realise their ambition,” said AIF and IPA founder Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais.

Last year’s IPA was won by a team of South African doctors who were awarded the top honour for their work on using bone growth proteins taken from pigs to help repair damaged human bones and wasting diseases like osteoporosis.

Innovations are evaluated based on originality, marketability, scalability, social impact and scientific or technical aspects. Innovations are judged by a panel and the best one wins a grand prize of  $100 000 (around R 1 million). The second prize of $25 000 (around R 250 000) will be awarded to an innovator with an innovation which has the best commercial and business potential. An additional award is a special prize granted to the innovator whose innovation has the best social impact in the community.

Entries are accepted under the following categories:

  • Agriculture and agribusiness
  • Environment
  • Energy and water
  • Health and wellbeing
  • ICT applications
  • Manufacturing and services industries

The IPA is also inviting investors, governments and other stakeholders interested in evaluating, investing and maximising the continent’s resources to participate to empower initiative and make a significant change through generous contributions that will accelerate the Africa’s economic growth.

The deadline for submissions is 31st October at midnight. For more information on competition categories, conditions of entry, and submission details visit the IPA website.

 

 

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