Using Exponential Technology to Solve Africa’s Problems
Singularity University (SU), a global community using exponential technologies to tackle the world’s biggest challenges and build an abundant future for all, has announced a new partnership with Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) to launch a SingularityU Global Impact Challenge in West Africa. The purpose of the SingularityU West Africa Global Impact Challenge is to foster moonshot innovations and startups that positively impact the lives of people living in the region, with an ability to scale and impact a billion people worldwide in 10 years.
They are looking for applicants who have the skills and passion to develop and launch a startup company around a moonshot idea that addresses a global grand challenge. They are looking for applicants from ANY technology or science discipline because they know global challenges can only be solved within the convergence of multiple disciplines and exponential technologies.
What moonshot innovation would you develop to solve a global grand challenge (environment, energy, water, food, health, disaster resilience, governance, learning, space, security, prosperity, and shelter) using exponential technology that would impact the lives of a billion people in the next 10 years?
The Prizes
The winner of this challenge will secure full sponsorship to attend the prestigious Global Solutions Program at Singularity University. The program is held in Summer 2017, and will be hosted on the SU campus at NASA Research Park in the heart of Silicon Valley.
All semi-finalists and finalists of this challenge will be invited to participate in an immersive workshop experience in Lagos, Nigeria on April 18-19. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about exponential technologies and the latest entrepreneurial tools.
Note: The challenge is open to residents and citizens in the 15 West African countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Dates & Timeline
- Applications open: February 16, 2017
- Applications close: April 7, 2017
- Finalist decisions: April 11, 2017
- Innovation Workshop: April 18, 2017
- Pitch event & winner announced: April 19, 2017
Local Partners
MEST Nigeria
Imaginarium
About Singularity University
Singularity University is a global learning and innovation community using exponential technologies to tackle the world’s biggest challenges and build an abundant future for all. SU’s collaborative platform empowers individuals and organizations across the globe to learn, connect, and innovate breakthrough solutions using accelerating technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital biology. A certified benefit corporation, SU was founded in 2008 by renowned innovators Ray Kurzweil and Peter Diamandis and is partnered with leading organizations such as Google, Deloitte, Genentech, and UNICEF.
For more information, visit su.org and join them on the SU global community directory.
About Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) and the MEST Incubator program provide training, investment and mentoring for aspiring technology entrepreneurs with the goal of creating globally successful companies that create wealth and jobs locally in Africa. Established in Ghana in 2008, MEST offers aspiring African entrepreneurs a fully sponsored intensive twelve-month program. Sourced from top graduates in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, these Entrepreneurs-In-Training (EITs) are selected each year to receive comprehensive training across the spectrum of skills required to build successful tech businesses, including computer programming, software development, product management, finance, marketing, sales and leadership best practices.
After completion of the program, the EITs have the opportunity to pitch a business concept. Winning teams receive a seed round from the MEST Incubator to pursue their idea.
Stay Connected!
Country GIC Website: https://su.org/gic/2017/westafrica/
Email: nigeria@gic.su.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GICWESTAFRICA/
Twitter: @GICWestAfrica