AIF 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!

The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) (http://www.africaninnovation.org/) announced a 30-day extension of the entry for its Innovation Prize Award (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org/) (see also #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 (http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/priority-areas) 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, gender, demographics or profession. Says IPA Director, Pauline Mujawamariya: “We want to take the ecosystem of innovation 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 (http://www.jeanclaudebastosdemorais.com/) 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) (http://www.africaninnovation.org/) 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) (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org/) 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.

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:  p.mujawamariya@africaninnovation.org

Aulora Stally,
Communications Manager, AIF
55 Stonechat Lane, Greystone Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 773 687 012
E-mail: aulora.stally@africaninnovation.org