Call for applications: UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Africans
UNESCO and IEEE Entrepreneurship are launching a new entrepreneurship bootcamp in engineering for sustainable development. It is a 5-day intensive bootcamp for early-career engineers in Luanda, Angola from 9 to 13 September 2024. Prospective applicants from Africa who are interested in learning entrepreneurial skills to market their scientific inventions are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this enriching experience. The bootcamp is organized under the auspices of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024-2033. It is a contribution to the 10th Africa engineering Week.
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About the bootcamp
At the bootcamp, the participants will learn about topics like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of engineering and innovation for sustainable development, Sustainable Development Goals and need for innovation; Opportunity assessment, Concept of intellectual property (IP) and its significance; basic financial knowledge for start-ups, taking an idea to market – timelines and processes for taking an invention to market; developing a business models and business plan, success stories; innovation tools; key decisions encountered by start-ups, raising funds for start-ups and more. The bootcamp will consist of a set of lectures, participate in discussions, mentor group activities and will be available for one-on-one discussions with interested participants.
Topics will include:
- Opportunity assessment, Concept of intellectual property (IP) and its significance.
- Basic financial knowledge for start-ups, taking ideas to market – timelines and processes for taking an invention to market.
- Developing a business models and business plan, Success stories.
- Innovation tools: Key decisions encountered by start-ups, Raising funds for start-ups.
The participants will also be mentored by a team of experienced inventors and entrepreneurs, and work in small teams to develop and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Two online sessions will be held prior to the bootcamp to brainstorm on ideas.
Provisional Timeline
| 31 July 2024 | Deadline for Applications |
| 06 August 2024 | Accepted participants are notified |
| 27 August 2024 | 1st virtual meet-up: Pre-bootcamp online engagement 1 – Introduction and soliciting ideas (2 hours) 5:00-7:00pm (Luanda time) |
| 3 September 2024 | 2nd virtual meet-up: Pre-bootcamp online engagement 2 – Team building exercise (2 hours) 5:00-7:00pm (Luanda time) |
| 9 September 2024 | Opening Ceremony 9:00 am to 1:00 pm of the 10th Africa Engineering Week 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. |
| 9-13 September 2024 | Entrepreneurship Bootcamp |
Eligibility
Participants must be:
- Below 35 years of age by 31 December 2024.
- Early-career engineers, including students registered in engineering programs and engineering practitioners.
- A national and resident of an African country.
- Available for all days of the bootcamp, including the two-pre-bootcamp online engagements.
Coverage provided
- Accommodation in double rooms on a shared basis for those living outside of Luanda
- All meals
- Air tickets for qualifying participants arriving from outside Angola
Deadline: 31 July 2024