Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp

Theme: Supporting Entrepreneurial Scientists to Spur Health, Food Systems, Environment, and Industry Innovation in Eastern Africa

Background

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. We also collaborate with partners in South Sudan. 

BioInnovate Africa enables scientists in Eastern Africa to develop and translate innovative bioscience research ideas, technologies and inventions into practical uses in society, which promote economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.  Thus, BioInnovate Africa fosters the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in the region by strengthening capacity of scientists and institutions to link innovative ideas from the bench to business.

As part of the initiative, 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

Who is eligible to apply?

This call shall be limited to citizens and/or nationals of the seven (7) BioInnovate Africa participating countries attached to a university, research institution, private company, or other related organization (either as an employee or student).

 How you will benefit

 ·      Access to Investors – Networking with investors & industry players at the 1st Regional Bioeconomy Conference.

·      Investment Readiness –Winners of the pitch event will get admission to a 3 months 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 (3) members e.g. comprising of 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).

 How to apply

 Applicants are invited to submit the following as part of their application:

 ·      A support letter/email from your institution of affiliation (signed by e.g. the head of department)

·      CVs of team members 

·      A one-page personal motivation statement by the team leader

·      A PowerPoint application uploaded in the following format using these guidelines

All applications will be uploaded through the online portal

Application deadline

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.

The teams will pitch their innovative ideas during the 1st Regional Bioeconomy conference to be held virtually on 22 October 2020.

For more information about the call, please contact:

Villgro Kenya

Email: ordia@villgrokenya.or.ke

and

BioInnovate Africa Programme Management Office (PMO)

Email: bioinnovate@icipe.org