African
Innovation Foundation 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!
3I
October 2014, Harare, Zimbabwe –The African
Innovation Foundation (AIF) today announced a 30-day extension of the entry for
its Innovation Prize Award (#IPA2015). 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 – submit
your application now!
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, age, gender, demographics
or profession. Says IPA Director, Pauline Mujawamariya: "We want to take
the ecosystem of innovation in Africa 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!
Apply
now! Your innovation stands to win a grand share of US$150 000
Since its inaugural
launch in 2011, African leaders have endorsed IPA as an essential stimulus
needed to create a platform to spur innovation across Africa in sectors
critical to the continent’s sustainable development. Jean Claude Bastos de
Morais founder of the prestigious annual award, now in its 4th year running, is encouraging innovators
across the continent to take advantage of the 30 November 2014 deadline:
"The African continent is the new innovation frontier, and we therefore
encourage innovators to be a part of the IPA platform and unleash their
innovation potential, not only to further develop their inventions, but to contribute
to Africa’s success story."
*****
Africa Innovation
Foundation (AIF) mobilizes
innovation across the continent for the personal, cultural and economic benefit
of all Africans. AIF projects are aimed at stimulating African ideas and
perspectives within emerging industries and diverse disciplines.
Innovation Prize for
Africa (IPA) is a landmark initiative of the
AIF, an award that was launched in 2011 to support and catalyse African
stakeholders to invest in emerging ideas by Africans to ensure a sustainable,
prosperous Africa.
To receive this email in French or Portuguese, please send an email to l.yuego@africaninnovation.org
For
further details, please contact:
Pauline
Mujawamariya, IPA Director
Strehlgasse 4, 8001 Zürich
Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 515 5466 or
+41 44 515 5460
E-mail:
Aulora
Stally, Communications Manager, AIF
55 Stonechat Lane, Greystone Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 773 687 012
E-mail: aulora.stally@africaninnovation.org
African Innovation Foundation; Innovation Prize for Africa
@AfrinnovFdn ; @IPAPrize
African Innovation Foundation; Innovation Prize for Africa
