The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) has called for the 2013 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) that aims at supporting Africans’ efforts in developing new products, increasing efficiency and drive cost-savings.
Registration deadline for the 2013 prize has been set for 31 October 2012 with no possibility for extensions.
Only innovations by Africans and for Africans are eligible to enter. Africans in the Diaspora can also apply if their innovations are of significance to Africa.
The winning proposal will be awarded a cash prize of $100,000 USD, with the two runners-up receiving US$25,000.
At an event organized by the ECA and AIF, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators will be invited to propose projects that unlock new African potential under these categories; Agriculture and Agribusiness, ICT applications, Health and wellbeing, Environment (Energy and water) and Manufacturing and services industries.
“For IPA,the best way to build Africa’s capacity is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship,” said AIF Chairman Walter Fust. “This prize encourages Africans to develop creative ways to overcome everyday challenges.”
The organizers expect the prize to promote among young African men and women the pursuit of science, technology and engineering careers and business applications.
This aims at; mobilising leaders from all sectors to fuel African innovation; Promote innovation across Africa in key sectors of interest through the competition; Promote science, technology and engineering as rewarding, exciting and noble career options among the youth in Africa by profiling success applicants.
It will also encourage entrepreneurs, innovators, funding bodies and business development service providers to exchange ideas and explore innovative business opportunities.
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