The 8th NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge calls on early-stage energy entrepreneurs across Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries to develop a prototype model of a key device/equipment for a social energy enterprise, agri-business, fintech solutions or energy management system using local resources.
The transition to a sustainable, green energy system requires building technical capacity, promoting energy innovation and investments, and maximizing economic benefits. This can be achieved through investing in renewable energy infrastructure and technology, innovative financing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships. The role of women as energy champions is also crucial in promoting equitable access to energy and supporting leadership and empowerment in the energy sector.
Green cold chains and smart metering systems can help to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency, and overcoming technical and regulatory barriers will be key to their successful implementation. Capacity building is important for supporting the energy transition and integrating renewable energy into existing systems.
Proposals are invited 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
Benefits
The finalists and winners will be selected by an independent panel of industry experts and experienced development professionals from public and private sector institutions. It is anticipated 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 the 2023. Winners of the competition get the opportunity to:
- Receive 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, receive support from a dedicated start-up incubator.
Requirements For The NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge
- 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
Evaluation Criteria
The first round of submissions will be evaluated using the following attributes:
- Local Content: utilize local resources, demonstrate 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, 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 realistic completion timeline.
Timeline
- 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
- Shortlist for the final round: September 15, 2023
- Deadline for final submissions: October 15, 2023
- Video pitch, posters & awards: Nov. 23, 2023.
Method of 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
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