Deadline: 10-Jun-23
Do you have tech solutions that can solve real-life challenges? Are you an entrepreneur, a software developer, a student or a start-up? You are invited to apply and get a chance to pitch your idea at the Mozilla Innovation Challenge.
Mozilla in partnership with Nairobi City County Government is excited to announce the Africa Mradi Innovation Tech Challenge. The challenge aims to identify and support innovative ideas that can address real life issues faced by Africans today as well contribute to an open, healthy and joyful internet for sustainable livelihoods.
The challenge is a pre cursor to the Africa Mradi Innovation Week that will take place in Nairobi on June 26 and 27th, 2023. The Innovation Week seeks innovative solutions in various fields including Health-tech, E-government, Edu-tech, Fintech, Agri-tech, Gaming/Creative and Cybersecurity, etc.
The innovation challenge and week will identify and support African developers, entrepreneurs, students and startups that can innovate on Mozilla’s current open source products to serve real life needs, or develop new product/product ideas that address real life issues, empower Africans and put them back in control of their online lives.
This is in line with Mozilla’s commitment to an internet that promotes civil discourse, human dignity, and individual expression and one that catalyzes collaboration among diverse communities working together for the common good.
Thematic Areas
- They invite Kenyan entreprenuers, developers, internet engineers, startups and student teams to submit proposals for tech-based solutions that can make a positive impact in any field. They are seeking proposals that can address the following areas:
- Health-tech: Innovative solutions that can improve access to healthcare, diagnostics, treatment, and disease prevention.
- E-government: Innovative solutions that can improve government services, communication and engagement with citizens, and transparency.
- Edu-tech: Innovative solutions that can improve access to quality education, personalized learning, and skill-building.
- Fintech: Innovative solutions that can improve financial inclusion, access to credit, and financial management.
- Agri-tech: Innovative solutions that can improve agricultural productivity, supply chain management, and food security.
- Gaming/Creative: Innovative solutions that can provide new experiences and possibilities in gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, and creative industries.
- Cybersecurity: Innovative solutions that can improve the security of digital systems, protect privacy and prevent cybercrime.
- Ethical AI: Innovative solutions that are designed and programmed to respect the principles of individual rights, privacy, fairness, transparency, accountability and safe.
Prize Details
All winning teams shall also benefit from mentorship and technical and venture building support to develop and scale their innovations for one year.
- Students
- Winner: Ksh 100,000 upfront grant, plus technical support for a year, as well as exclusive rights to an additional Ksh 400,000 in milestone-based grants
- Runner up: Ksh 75,000 upfront grant, plus technical support for six months, as well as exclusive rights to an additional Ksh 225,000 in milestone-based grants
- Second Runner up: Ksh 50,000 upfront grant, plus technical support for three months, as well as exclusive rights to an additional Ksh 150,000 in milestone-based grants
- Innovators/ Entrepreneurs Award
- Winner: Ksh 500,000 upfront grant, plus technical support for a year, as well as exclusive rights to an additional Ksh 3,500,000 in milestone-based grants.
- Winner: Ksh 500,000 upfront grant, plus technical support for a year, as well as exclusive rights to an additional Ksh 3,500,000 in milestone-based grants.
- Winner: Ksh 500,000 upfront grant, plus technical support for a year, as well as exclusive rights to an additional Ksh 3,500,000 in milestone-based grants.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Mozilla, Africa Mradi Tech challenge is open to startups and students in Kenya;
- Proposals must be innovative, feasible and scalable.
- Proposals must address one of the areas mentioned.
- Proposals should not violate any trade mark, patent, intellectual property rights or any laws.
- Any startup that has received up to $30,000 in grants isn’t eligible.
- Must be 18 years and above.
Selection Criteria
- Innovativeness and originality of the solution proposed.
- Feasibility, scalability, and potential impact of the proposed solution.
- The team’s capability and experience to deliver the proposed solution.
- The proposal’s potential for commercialization or adoption.
- Use of Mozilla open source platforms such as Firefox, Hubs, Pocket and Common Voice.
For more information, visit Mozilla.