12 days left to submit proposals for the Open Innovation Challenge

The Swiss Embassy in South Africa, in collaboration with The National Research Foundation, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the University of Basel, are calling for proposals for the Open Innovation Challenge.

The deadline for the challenge will be on  Monday 31 July 2017. Accepted submissions need to be feasible and must be at least in the proof of concept stage.

The challenge brief states that the organisers are looking for entries in the following areas: waste disposal, water access, affordable environmentally friendly building materials, affordable renewable energy, sanitation and hygiene.

Innovators behind the chosen submissions will get to participate in the Swiss-South African Entrepreneur and Business Development Programme, the SA Innovation Summit as well as attend a World Café Community Foundation event.

The Open Innovation Challenge aims to address health issues facing South African informal settlements

Winners will get access to an ETH-Zurich test house and will be able to work with other universities and research institutions.

The organisers intend to connect chosen entrepreneurs to relevant South African industries and companies as well as give them business training.

Additionally, shortlisted innovations will be showcased at the Swiss South Africa World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in 2018. The Technology Innovation Agency will also be providing incubation support and seed funding.

Proposals can be sent to submissions@siih.org.za, while those wanting to learn more about the challenge can visit the website.

Featured image: SIIH