AIF announces 30-day extension for the US$ 150 000 IPA 2015 award – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for African innovators to take their innovation to the next level and benefit Africans across the continent.
• Entries can now be submitted by 30 November 2014 at 24h00 GMT
• Applications from women and young people are encouraged
• Post-prize support to help boost your innovation!
The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) today announced a 30-day extension of the entry for its Innovation Prize Award. Applications can now be received by 30 November 2014 at 24h00 GMT. With a total prize share of US$150 000, African innovators stand to gain much more, such as recognition through our unique IPA brand, increased opportunities to attract investments, continental and international media attention, and the chance to positively transform the African innovation landscape.
Make your innovation count
IPA targets innovators in 5 key sectors that include agriculture and agri-business; environment energy and water; manufacturing and service industry; health and wellbeing; and ICTs. The competition is open to all Africans including those in the diaspora, irrespective of socio-economic status, gender, demographics or profession. Says IPA Director, Pauline Mujawamariya: “We want to take the ecosystem of innovation to a new level across the continent, and are therefore encouraging applications from all 54 African countries to be a part of this unique initiative. We particularly encourage women and young people from all sectors to submit their applications”.
Everyone is a potential winner!
As one of the top 10 finalists, you will receive media exposure and IPA will invest up to US$5 000 to further spotlight your innovation. Our rules are simple: if your innovation can be categorised as Original, Marketable, and Scalable, you are already half way there! If your innovation can create Social Impact, address existing development challenges faced by the community, or clearly demonstrate Technological or Scientific significance in its field and beyond, you stand a chance to win – BIG! We are looking for smart, innovative solutions that can drive tangible change on the ground and better the lives of Africans.
Winning the prize is certainly the main attraction here, but IPA 2015 has more to offer in terms of post-prize support. In what promises to be a ground-breaking forum for women aspirants, AIF will select 10 of the most promising projects driven by African women and support them with increased opportunities such as training, linking up with mentors, relevant networks and potential investors. Furthermore, 10 of the most promising projects undertaken by young innovators will have the opportunity to join the AIF innovation networks, with links to mentors, fellowships and other incentives. So if your idea can shine bright and sustain itself, you are in the line up to receive support to take your venture further and ignite the African innovation ecosystem!
