Humanity faces unprecedented challenges. But nowhere else are we more resolved to solving those challenges, than right here in Africa. Stellenbosch University LaunchLab believes that the sciences hold the keys to a brighter future for Africa which is why it is hosting a science-themed startup and idea showcase in partnership with the University of Stellenbosch Science Faculty and Alphawave.
The Science Showcase will spotlight 8 – 10 of the best commercialisable ideas and existing businesses from across the continent focused on providing science-based solutions for African challenges. The winning teams will gain access to valuable prize money, mentoring sessions, focused workshops, and a spot in the February 2022 cohort of Countdown, SU LaunchLab’s flagship incubation program.
Requirements
LaunchLab is looking for entrepreneurs with commercialisable ideas or existing businesses that provide science-based solutions to African challenges in the following fields:
- Physical sciences – physics, chemistry, earth, and space
- Life sciences – biochemistry, microbiology, zoology, botany, ecology
- Applied sciences – engineering, medicine
- Computer sciences
- Mathematics
If your science-based solution is suitable for the Showcase you will fit the following eligibility criteria for either category:
| Existing Business | Idea |
| You are operating in Africa You have a science-based solution to address an African challenge* You have an MVP and/or are selling You have at least one full-time team member You have been working on your venture for more than 6 months Willing to enter SU LL’s flagship Countdown program’s February cohort (8-week course) |
You are situated in Africa You have a science-based and commercialisable idea that would address an African challenge* Willing to enter SU LL’s flagship Countdown program’s February cohort (8-week course) |
*The challenge does not have to be unique to Africa but must be encountered in Africa
Benefits
Finalists stand the chance to win:
| Place | Existing Business | Idea | At Large:Alphawave Tech Entrepreneur Prize* |
| 1 | R50 000 prizeA spot and in 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort)1 hour mentoring session with SU LL CEO | R 10 000 prize1 hour mentoring session1 hour customer discovery workshop with the other Idea-winners | R 33 333 prize A spot in and 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort) (if not already received the discount for above 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prizes)* This prize is awarded at the discretion of Alphawave. |
| 2 | R 25 000 prize A spot and in and 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort) | 1 hour customer discovery workshop with other Idea-winners | |
| 3 | R 10 000 prize A spot and in and 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort) | 1 hour customer discovery workshop with other Idea-winners |
How it works
1. Deadline:
Submit your ideas online by 23:59 on Sunday, 29 August 2021.
2. Shortlisting:
After all the submissions are received, the top participants will be shortlisted, and from that, we will select 8 – 10 finalists.
3. Virtual pitching event:
Shortlisted participants will pitch to a panel of judges, potential investors, and an audience at a live event via Zoom on 21 September 2021 from 14:00 – 16:30 SAST. Every team will have 4 minutes to pitch and the judges will have 4 minutes to present questions.
The judging panel may consist of nominees from:
- SU Science Faculty
- Alphawave
- SU LaunchLab Science Partners
For More Information:
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