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Call for Applications: Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp

BioInnovate Africa · Indiana, United States · 2 wk ago
OTHRFull-time

BioInnovate Africa is a regional science and innovation-driven initiative, supported by Sida and implemented as a programme of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). It operates in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, and collaborates with partners in South Sudan. The initiative enables scientists in Eastern Africa to develop and translate innovative bioscience research ideas, technologies, and inventions into practical uses in society, promoting economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. BioInnovate Africa fosters the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in the region by strengthening the capacity of scientists and institutions to link innovative ideas from the bench to business.

About the Bootcamp

A 5-day bioscience innovation bootcamp has been organized for entrepreneurial scientists in eastern Africa to empower them to develop innovative and commercially viable biological-based ideas in areas including but not limited to:

  • Agroecology
  • Food and feed
  • Waste water treatment
  • Biopharmaceutical
  • Bioenergy
  • Biomaterials
  • Medical diagnostics
  • Green chemicals

Eligibility

This call is limited to citizens and/or nationals of the seven BioInnovate Africa participating countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan) who are attached to a university, research institution, private company, or other related organization (either as an employee or student).

Benefits

  • Access to Investors: Networking with investors and industry players at the 1st Regional Bioeconomy Conference.
  • Investment Readiness: Winners of the pitch event will gain admission to a 3-month acceleration program by Villgro Kenya & BioInnovate Africa.
  • Fundraising: Increase your chances of being eligible for future BioInnovate Africa & Villgro Kenya funding and technical assistance.

Selection Criteria

  • An innovative biobased idea with potential for commercial application (40 points).
  • A multidisciplinary team of three members, e.g., comprising academia and industry/private sector (30 points).
  • At least 2 of the team members must be youth, i.e., within the age bracket of 15-35 years (10 points).
  • Technical proof of concept will be preferred over unproven ideas (20 points).

Application Requirements

Applicants are invited to submit the following:

  • A support letter/email from your institution of affiliation (signed by e.g., the head of the department).
  • CVs of team members.
  • A one-page personal motivation statement by the team leader.
  • A PowerPoint application uploaded in the specified format using the provided guidelines.

All applications must be uploaded through the online portal. The deadline for receiving applications is 5th October 2020 at 23:59hrs Nairobi Time. Late submissions will be disqualified.

Next Steps

  • Successful teams will be notified through email by 9th October 2020.
  • Selected teams are expected to participate in the bootcamp for five days on 17-21 October 2020.
  • Teams will pitch their innovative ideas during the 1st Regional Bioeconomy Conference to be held on 22 October 2020.

For more information, contact Villgro Kenya at ordia@villgrokenya.or.ke or the BioInnovate Africa Programme Management Office at bioinnovate@icipe.org.

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