Deadline: 30 September 2022
Applications for the Africa Earth Observation (AEO) Challenge 2022 are currently open.
The Africa Earth Observation (AEO) Challenge is an annual open innovation challenge aimed at sourcing novel space technologies since 2016. This challenge seeks to drive entrepreneurial activity in the African space industry and promote awareness of the value of earth observation data across the continent and in multiple sectors such as water and food security, mining, logistics, insurance, and many more.
Earth observation gathers information about the planet’s physical, chemical, and biological systems via remote-sensing technologies. This information can then be used to monitor changes in natural and artificial environments. The African space-tech sector is one of the fastest-growing markets globally, but it is still significantly underexploited. This sector represents a massive investment opportunity.
The African Union has identified earth observation as a critical resource that must be leveraged in achieving Africa’s development goals. One of the best ways to grow this sector is through an open innovation challenge. To identify the most promising innovators, entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across Africa and develop them into sustainable companies more so to develop Africa’s geospatial readiness so that African businesses can service African demand for geospatial intelligence
Africa Earth Observation (AEO) Challenge 2022 Process involves:
Search process: African innovators & entrepreneurs invited to submit novel business ideas.
 Entrepreneur support: Finalists enter 2-week business development support programme to take their companies to the next level.
 Pitching den: Participants pitch to a panel of judges and other industry players. Winners receive a range of prizes.
Ongoing entrepreneur support: All participants are empowered with ongoing support to build sustainable businesses.
Tech demo day: Selected entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of VCs for investment.
Benefit
There are various prizes that will be up are for grabs for the Challenge finalists, including:
- Cash prizes: For the first time the Africa Earth Observation challenge will be awarding cash prizes to finalists.
- Incubation & mentorship: 4-month online incubation and virtual mentorship
- Media publicity: Challenge finalists will have the opportunity to feature in interviews and editorials by Challenge Media Partner Africa.com
- Technical support: Technical support will be available to the Challenge participants from the leading EOD specialising organisations
Eligibility
Submissions from businesses in any and all industries are encouraged, as long as they meet the following criteria:
- The Challenge is open to businesses across the African continent
- Early stage funding/angel investor ready businesses
All submissions must demonstrate a clear application of EOD. Some generic examples in the following industries:
- Climate change
- Smart cities
- Mining
- Logistics
- Agriculture
Visit AEO webpage for further information
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