Over Sh600, 000 is up for grabs in the new Makueni Innovation Challenge 2021 that is seeking ideas that will bring economic recovery amidst Covid-19.
The challenge targets all youths across the country, individual, groups or institutions aged between 18-35 years with ideas that fall into the thematic area of Agriculture, Health and Trade.
The challenge has been organized by Makueni County in collaboration with other partners that include Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs, Communication Authority of Kenya, Africa118, Africaistalking, Decoded and Liquid Telkom.
Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana says the aim of the challenge is to catalyze the growth of startups, so as to amplify and consolidate the gains of the country’s digital innovative ecosystem.
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“Youths must grasp the opportunities available at their disposal, and utilize them to enhance their skills to become entrepreneurs, employable and problem solvers in our day to day lives; I therefore encourage and challenge the youths to move out of their comfort zones and spear-head this digital age for the chance is here for you to shape the future,” said Kibwana.
The challenge is open to early stage innovators, and can be Individuals or groups.
“Your idea must be innovative and unique and must clearly describe ways the project will continue beyond the challenge potential to scale. The idea must be realistic and logical,”Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs David Ogiga said.
Interested parties must apply before April 30, 2021 on the link https://innovations.makueni.go.ke.
The prizes are categorized into five: Winner- Sh260, 000, Second- Sh162,500, Third- Sh97,500, Fouth-Sh65,000, Fifth- Sh65,000.
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“The first fifteen finalists will get a chance to participate in the incubation program where the innovators will get opportunity to partner in improving the economy amidst COVID-19 pandemic,” Ogiga added.
The finalists will also get a chance to pitch their solutions to an audience of Investors, Development Partners, Government Representatives, Operators and other key stakeholders.
On her part, Adelina Mwau, Deputy Governor- Makueni County said, “We all have a responsibility to work together to better understand the emerging trends which is critical if we are to shape a collective future that reflects how technology is changing our lives and those of future generations. This will in turn catapult a youth population that is empowered, creative, and innovative.”
