Application Deadline: August 30th 2021
The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP)’s Accelerator Lab, National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is calling for applications for the 2021 National Innovation Initiative. The National Innovation Initiative being held in collaboration with the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and the Patents and Companies Registrations Agency (PACRA) is looking for innovations with the highest potential impact.
The National Innovation Initiative is aimed at supporting local innovators with functioning prototypes. Applicants will have an opportunity of showcasing their innovations at the National Innovation Fair to be held in Lusaka on 4th and 5th November 2021. Desired innovations should be responsive to the Sustainable Development Goals, technology based, creative and have potential to create a positive impact in society. The application is open to registered businesses and individuals. Women, Youth and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
The application will be opened to participants assessed according to the following:
- Zambian with undue advantage to youths between the age of 18 – 35, women/girls and people living with disabilities.
- The innovative business or idea must be implemented in in the locality where the innovator is based.
- The applicant individual/company must be willing to be matched to a business development and mentorship programme, focused on enhancing their skills
- The applicant individual/company must demonstrate willingness to participate in the Business Acceleration programme
Applicants must be willing to travel to Lusaka to participate in the National Innovation Fair, grant permission to the implementing partners to share their innovations with our partners. Applicants should also demonstrate sustainability of the innovation including value for money.
This initiative will facilitate attainment of the start-up’s next milestone, recognise, and award the best innovations in the various categories particularly those addressing Health, Agriculture, Education, Tourism, Climate Change and Energy. The Innovation Fair will also serve as an opportunity to match innovators to investors that can fund their innovations. Applicants must also be willing to participate in a business development programme.
The 20 shortlisted applicants during the Fair will be expected to commit to participate in a Business Acceleration programme lasting up to 6 weeks; from which top performing innovations, will receive monetary awards.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNDP Zambia 2021 National Innovations Initiative