Student Innovation Competition

Deadline: Jul 25, 2025

undergraduate

partially funded

Africa

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

The Student Innovation Competition is a flagship initiative of the Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo, aimed at recognizing and celebrating the next generation of African changemakers. This platform empowers students to address real-world environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges through innovative and purpose-driven solutions.

📝 About the Competition

The competition invites students from across Africa to present bold, original ideas that tackle pressing sustainability issues. It aims to inspire future leaders while providing opportunities for learning, mentorship, and exposure.

If you’re passionate about building a better future, this is your chance to stand out, be heard, and make a difference.

🎯 2025 Topics & Themes

Participants are encouraged to focus on the following themes:

Driving an ESG Culture
Environmental & Social Consciousness Education
Leveraging Technology & Digital Solutions to Address Operational Sustainability Challenges
Innovative Strategies for Promoting Sustainable Supply Chains and Responsible Sourcing
The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Tackling ESG Challenges and Driving Positive Impact
The Future of Urban Living: Designing Resilient and Regenerative Cities
Waste to Wealth: Circular Economy Innovation
Nature-Positive Innovation: Regenerating Ecosystems through Enterprise

💰 Benefits

Winner: Cash prize of R40,000
Runner-up: Cash prize of R20,000

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To participate, applicants must:

Be 30 years old or younger.
Be currently enrolled at an accredited university or institution of higher learning.

🏆 Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:

Creativity: Originality and innovative thinking in the proposed ideas.
Feasibility: Practicality of implementing the solution in real-world scenarios.
Clarity of Expression: Well-written and organized presentation of ideas.
Impact Potential: Ability to create a positive impact on the chosen challenge.
Relevance: Alignment with the selected challenge from the provided list.

📅 Application Process & Key Dates

Phase 1: Proposal Submission

Submit a one-page abstract detailing your innovative idea to address an ESG/sustainability challenge (choose from the listed topics).
Submissions can be individual or team-based.

Phase 2: Finalist Essays

The top five finalists will be notified and required to expand their ideas into a 3000+ word essay.

Key Milestones & Deadlines

Abstract Submission Deadline: 25 July 2025
Judges Review Abstracts: 15 August 2025
Finalists Announced: 28 August 2025
Finalists Submit 3000-Word Essay: 25 September 2025
Judges Score Essays: 7 October 2025
Winner & Runner-Up Announced: 15 October 2025
Presentations by Winners: 16 October 2025

Note: All submissions must be in PDF format.

📅 Application Deadline

25 July 2025

🌐 How to Apply

For more details, visit the official Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo: Student Innovation Competition page.

This competition is your opportunity to showcase your innovative ideas and contribute to a sustainable future. Don’t miss out!

Benefits

The winner of the 2025 Student Innovation Competition will be awarded a cash prize of R40,000
The runner-up receiving R20,000 in recognition of their outstanding contribution to innovative thinking.

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