Are you an engineer or entrepreneur who have developed or are in the process of developing a new technological innovation? A huge opportunity has been opened for you from the Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

The institution seeks to identify individuals who want to lead in creating a new business to commercialize their innovation. These innovations should focus on promoting the welfare and economic development of sub-Saharan African countries. It should also address a specific development need or challenge in the region.

Check below for more details:

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be in the early stages of commercializing an engineering innovation that:

• Is accompanied by an ambitious but realistic business plan with strong commercial viability.
• Has strong potential for replication and scaling up.
• Will bring social and/or environmental benefits to a country or countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Is based in, and will benefit, a country in sub-Saharan Africa.

The innovation can be any new product, technology, or service based on research in any engineering field, including:

• Agricultural technology
• Biotechnology
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer science
• Design engineering
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Materials science
• Mechanical engineering
• Medical engineering

Eligibility Requirements

• The application must be written in English.
• The applicant must have a high level of English proficiency to fully participate in the Africa Prize programme, which is conducted entirely in English.
• The lead applicant must be over 18 years old by the application closing date of 15 October 2024. There is no upper age limit.
• Previous shortlist members or winners are not eligible to participate again, nor are their team members.
• Applicants can apply individually or as part of a team.
• The lead applicant must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country*.
• For teams, the lead applicant (the person participating in training) must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country*.
• The lead applicant must be ordinarily based in sub-Saharan Africa*; if based overseas, it must be temporarily for studies or other reasons.
• The innovation must be based in a sub-Saharan African country*.
• The lead applicant must have an engineering innovation, though an engineering degree or student status is not required.

Benefits

The Africa Prize offers a unique benefits package for up to 16 shortlisted participants to help accelerate their business, including:

• Access to business and technical expertise and sector-specific engineering mentoring.
• Bespoke press coverage and communications support.
• An eight-month tailored training programme.
• Access to the Academy’s network of high-profile engineers and business experts in the UK and Africa.
• The opportunity for finalists to present their innovation to a judging panel at the Africa Prize showcase event.
• Prize money of up to £25,000.

Application Deadline: 15 October, 2024

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.