Africa Earth Observation Challenge
Driving geospatial readiness across the African continent through African talent
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.
Why now?
- 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.
Outcomes
- To identify the most promising innovators, entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across Africa and develop them into sustainable companies
- To develop Africa’s geospatial readiness so that African businesses can service African demand for geospatial intelligence
Process
- 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, from access to Maxar EOD packages and AWS credits, to online incubation and virtual mentorship with GEN Space, DEA and AWS.
- Ongoing entrepreneur support: All participants are empowered with ongoing support to build sustainable businesses.
Prizes
The top 3 finalists will stand a chance to win a combination of the prizes listed below:
- Data packages
- Access to earth observation data packages from Maxar:
- 1st place: $10,000
- 2nd place: $5000
- 3rd place: $5000
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Credits
- Amazon Web Services Activate credits:
- 1st place: $5,000
- 2nd place: $3,000
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Online incubation and virtual mentorship
- 4-month incubation and virtual mentorship worth up to $24,000, including mentorship and support from the GEN Space, Digital Earth Africa and Amazon Web Services.
Overview
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September 26, 2021
| Program dates | Oct 11 - Nov 5, 2021 |
| Organizer | South African National Space Agency |
| Website | Visit website |
| Targets | Africa |
| Sectors | EdTech, HealthTech, ICT |