 The NEF invites applications for the 2021 Africa Energy Ideas Competition that is set to accelerate the development of early-stage energy firms across Africa.
Application Timeline:Â
- Deadline for proposal submission: 15th Aug 2021
- Deadline for final submissions: 20th Oct, 2021
Eligible Countries:Â African countries
To Be Taken At (Country):Â Lagos, Nigeria
About the Award: The 5th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge is set to advance the sustainability of early-stage energy firms across Africa. The aim is to develop clean, innovative and bankable energy services for households and businesses, based on low-carbon technologies.
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This competition challenges early-stage energy entrepreneurs from Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries to develop a prototype model of a key device/equipment for a social energy enterprise or energy management system using local resources.
Type:Â Contest, Entrepreneurship
Eligibility:Â
- Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate in the competition and nominate a relevant local research institution or organization.
- Applications may be submitted by a team of up to three people. At least 1 member of the team must be from the local research institution or industry.
- Teams may be formed across different schools, institutions, companies, countries etc. Individuals or teams may submit multiple applications.
Selection Criteria:Â The first round of submissions will be evaluated using the following attributes:
- Local Content:Â 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:Â present solutions that are original, creative in areas that are either underdeveloped or severely underdeveloped in research and literature.
- Commercial Viability:Â 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:Â ideas should be presented in a clear and concise manner with realistic completion timeline.
Value of Award:Â The finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of academics and experienced development professionals from public and private sector institutions. Winners of the competition get the opportunity to:
- ⇒  Pitch their proposed prototype model at the 2020 Nigeria Energy Forum, in Lagos, Nigeria, using a poster and short video.
- ⇒  Benefit from unique networking opportunities with other young leaders as well as some of the most senior decision-makers in government, international development, academia and the private sector.
- ⇒ Attend a range of business development workshops, receive support from a dedicated start-up incubator and a cash prize of up to $5,000 to demonstrate the proposed solution.
How to Apply:Â 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)
- Partner Institution or Industry
- Expected impact (50 words)
- Short abstract (50 words)
- Design tools and method (50 words)
- Problem Statement (50 words)
Estimated costs and timeline (50 words)
- Submissions must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format by email to [email protected].
- The subject line of the email should follow the format:Â [Country] Title of the Project.
- Submissions that exceed the word count may be disqualified.
- Shortlisted submissions would be invited to participate in the final round by submitting a 1-page poster to summarize their design, with a detailed budget, 2-page Design Brief, and a Short 2-minute video to describe a prototype model of the proposed solution.
Visit the Program Webpage for Details
