The 8th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge organized by NEF challenges 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.

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

Eligibility Requirements for the 2023 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.
• 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.

How to Apply for the 2023 NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge

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)

Submissions must be made online and email evidence of submission in Microsoft Word or PDF format by email to info@thenef.org.

• The Subject line of the email should follow the format: [Country] Title of the Project.
• Submissions that exceed the page/word limit 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 detailed budget, 2-page Design Brief and a Short 2-minute video to pitch a prototype model of the proposed solution.

2023 NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge Prizes and Recognitions

• Receive cash prize grants of up to USD10,000 to demonstrate or scale the proposed solution;
• Pitch 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.

Click here for more information about the 2023 NEF Africa Energy Innovation Challenge

Apply here on or before August 31, 2023.

Read also: AgroHack Challenge 2023