Some incredible African inventions are being celebrated at the fifth edition of the Innovation Prize for Africa. The competition this year has attracted over 3,600 innovators (a record) and received 985 successful submissions from 46 African countries.
Ten innovators have been selected and the winner will be crowned on the 23 June 2016 in Gaborone after more pitching and one-on-one sessions with judges. There will be a grand share prize of US$ 150,000. The winner will get US$ 100,000.
To date, @IPAprize has attracted more than 6 000 participants from 50 African countries. @YourBIH @chiefkmasimba pic.twitter.com/zDZHYkyuJA
— IPA Prize (@IPAprize) June 16, 2016
The range is impressive – two contestants are working with diagnosing and treating malaria. Dr Eddy Agbo, from Nigeria, has developed a urine test for malaria that can detect the illness within 25 minutes. Valentin Agon, from Benin, has been selected thanks to his anti-malaria drug treatment developed out of a natural plant extract which has been approved in Benin, Burkina Faso, Tchad, and Central Africa Republic.
Other health innovations include software to determine how responsive HIV sufferers will be to treatment and technology which can undertake full-field digital mammography and automated breast ultrasound at the same time. Also on the shortlist are farming solutions and e-learning platforms. Have a look at the full list here – it’s inspiring!
There will also be a special event to recognise the 10 best innovations submitted by innovators under the age of 26.
Read our interview with Mandiaye Ndao who acted as a technical validator for the deep assessment of the scientific, technical and field aspect of some of the IPA applications.
TRUE Africa will be present at the awards ceremony so keep up to date with what’s happening from June 22 – 23 using the hashtag (and theme for the prize) #MadeinAfrica. Find out more at innovationprizeforafrica.org