Deadline: 07-Aug-2025
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), part of South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has launched the BRICS Young Innovator Prize to promote technological innovation aimed at enhancing economic growth and quality of life. The contest focuses on how artificial intelligence can be applied to public service solutions in BRICS countries. Projects outside this theme will not be considered.
The 8th edition of the prize will be held as part of the 10th BRICS Young Scientist Forum, scheduled from September 15 to 17, 2025, in Brasilia, Brazil, under the Brazilian presidency.
Winners will receive cash prizes after verification and meeting eligibility conditions. The first prize is $25,000, the second prize is $15,000, and the third prize is $10,000.
Projects submitted must be innovative and in the pre-market stage. They should not yet be publicly available and may be in testing, certification, or preparation for launch. Projects must aim to address key social, economic, developmental, or environmental challenges in BRICS societies. Corporate innovations or projects associated with or in the process of merging with tech companies are not eligible.
Participants must be under 40 years of age as of December 31, 2025, and must be nationals or permanent residents of a BRICS country. Only one project can be submitted per candidate, and the participant must be the original author of the innovation.
Applications must include a completed and signed application form, a CV or biography, a photo, and supporting information about the project in various formats such as Word, PowerPoint, images, or videos. The form must contain personal details, a nomination statement, an innovative project statement, and information on previous awards or achievements. All information must be submitted in English, and no changes can be made to the form after submission.
For more information, visit DSTI.
