The NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2023
Apply now for the NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2023 on Truesport your best worldwide scholarship website on the internet. The 8th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge coordinated by NEF challenges early-stage energy entrepreneurs across Africa to cooperate with local research institutions or industries to create a prototype model of a key device/equipment for a social energy enterprise, agri-business, fintech solutions, or energy management system using local resources.
Proposals are accepted across four innovation tracks for early-stage energy entrepreneurs from Africa, including:
- Track 1: Clean Energy Solutions for Agro-industry
- Track 2: Energizing Healthcare & Education
- Track 3: Smart Metering & Artificial Intelligence
- Track 4: Cleaner Electrification of Transport/ Oil&Gas.
MERITS
The finalists and winners will be chosen by an independent panel of industry experts and experienced development professionals from public and private sector institutions. It is expected that at least 1 winner per track will be awarded grant prizes with up to 20 shortlisted entries offered complimentary passes to fully participate in 2023. Winners of the competition get the opportunity to:
- Obtain cash prize grants of up to USD10,000 to demonstrate or scale the proposed solution;
- Pitch their proposed prototype model at the 2023 Nigeria Energy Forum, using a poster and short video;
- Benefit from unique networking opportunities with other young professionals as well as some of the most senior decision-makers in government, international development, academia, and the private sector; &
- Attend business development workshops, and acquire support from a dedicated start-up incubator.
ALSO TRENDING: The USAID Youth Well-Being Prize Competition 2023
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR THE NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2023
- Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate in the competition across any of the four (4) innovation tracks above.
- Applications may be submitted by a team of at least three people. Teams may be formed across different schools, institutions, companies, countries, etc.
- Individuals or teams may submit multiple applications.
- Women-led teams are strongly encouraged to apply. The
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The first round of submissions will be evaluated using the following attributes:
- LOCAL CONTENT: Utilize local resources, demonstrate the use of local expertise, alternative energy services, or efficient solutions for powering agriculture, education, healthcare, industries, etc.; and be significant
enough to impact large numbers of people, households, and/or businesses. - ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVITY: Present solutions that are original, and creative in areas that are either underdeveloped or severely underdeveloped in research and literature.
- COMMERCIAL VIABILITY: Proposed prototype model should be realistic, practical rather than just theory, cost-efficient, and outline commercial arrangements that address obvious roadblocks, using a specific prototype model.
- CLARITY: Ideas should be presented in a clear and concise manner with a realistic completion timeline.
SCHEDULE
- OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSAL: May 15, 2023
- EARLY PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 15, 2023
- IN-PERSON EVENT & PAST WINNERS TAG-UP: July 18, 2023
- PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 31, 2023
- THE SHORTLIST FOR THE FINAL ROUND: September 15, 2023
- DEADLINE FOR FINAL SUBMISSIONS: October 15, 2023
- VIDEO PITCH, POSTERS & AWARDS: Nov. 23, 2023.
PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION
Your proposed prototype model submission must not exceed 1- side of an A4 page and should include the following:
- Project Title Your solution (250 words)
- Innovation Track Expected impact (50 words)
- Short abstract (50 words)
- Design tools and method (50 words)
- Problem Statement (50 words)
- Estimated costs and timeline (50 words)
Application Deadline: August 31, 2023
The NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge 2023
