GIST Technology Idea competition

Scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs aged 18-40, with an idea or start-up in the areas of agriculture, energy, health or information and communication technologies, should enter the 2015 Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Technology-Idea (Tech-I) Competition before 20 March 2015.

International Technology Idea competition for under-40s

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs of the United States Department of State invite South Africans to participate in the 2015 Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST)Technology-Idea (Tech-I)Competition.

The competition is focused on young scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, aged between 18-40 years old, who have either an idea or start-up in the areas of agriculture, energy, health or information and communication technologies.

The application deadline is 20 March 2015. Application is simple, requiring the submission of an executive summary of 750 words and a 90-second promotional video.

This year 86 countries are eligible to apply and, following an initial expert panel review, applications go to a public vote. Last year over 405 000 votes were received from the public, resulting in amazing publicity for all finalists.

The top 30 entrants win an all-inclusive trip to sub-Saharan Africa in July 2015 to participate in the finals at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.

At the finals, applicants will have the opportunity to win up to US$15 000 in individual funding, up to US$70 000 in total prize money, and a year’s membership to AAAS. Every finalist will also receive up to three months’ one-on-one mentorship with top experts in their field of interest.

For more information regarding the competition, visit www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i.

For access to promotional materials related to the competition, visit www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i/howtoapply.