Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp 2021 for Entrepreneurial Scientists in Eastern and Central Africa

Applications are open for the Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp 2021 for Entrepreneurial Scientists in Eastern and Central Africa.

Application Deadline: 16th August 2021 at 23:59 hrs Nairobi Time.

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About the Award: BioInnovate Africa is a regional innovation-driven bioeconomy initiative established in 2010 with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It is implemented by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), and operates in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and also involves partners in South Sudan. BioInnovate Africa (BA) assists countries in eastern Africa to build a sustainable bioeconomy based on revolutionary advances in bioscience and bioengineering, thereby diversifying sources of economic growth in the region.

Eligible Field(s): BioInnovate Africa and BeCA-ILRI Hub in collaboration with Inclusive Business Sweden and Villgro Africa have organised a 5-day bioscience innovation bootcamp for entrepreneurial scientists in central and eastern Africa to empower them to develop innovative and commercially viable biological based ideas in areas including but not limited to:

• Agroecology
• Bioenergy
• Biomaterials
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Food and Feed
• Green chemicals
• Plant and animal diseases diagnostics
• Wastewater treatment

Type: Workshop

Eligibility: Applicants should be:
a. Either scientists/researchers employed at a university, research organisation or private company in
any of the listed countries.
b. Or postgraduate students studying at a university or research organisation in any of the listed
countries.

Selection criteria:
i. An innovative biobased idea with potential for commercial application (40 points)
ii. Technical proof of concept will be preferred over unproven ideas (30 points).
iii. A committed multidisciplinary team of three (3) members. It is highly preferrable to have the idea bearer in the team (30 points).

Eligible Countries: This call shall be limited to citizens and/or nationals of any of the following countries, where BioInnovate Africa and BecA-ILRI Hub network exists:
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central Africa Republic
• Congo Brazzaville
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Rwanda
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award:

i. You will gain skills in packaging your innovative idea and making it commercially viable and ready for investment.
ii. You will increase your chances of being eligible for future funding and technical assistance by BioInnovate Africa and Villgro Africa.
iii. You will have the opportunity to pitch your innovative idea to potential investors during the bootcamp and a possibility to secure funding.
iv. Additionally, you will network with a wide range of stakeholders during the second regional Bioeconomy conference taking place in November 2021. 

How to Apply:

Applicants should complete an online application form that can be found at this link.
ii. The following documents should be uploaded through the online form.

• A support letter/email from your organisation of affiliation (signed by e.g., the head of department or supervisor)
• CVs of the team
• A one-page personal motivation statement by the team leader
• A PowerPoint application document uploaded in this format using these guidelines.

• It is important to go through all application requirements in the Award Webpage (see Link below) before applying.
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Visit Award Webpage for Details