Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor has encouraged South Africans to enter a competition seeking technology solutions to development challenges.
She said the competition will allow citizens to showcase their innovation on the global stage.
The minister has endorsed the Siemens Stiftung (foundation) competition aimed at small businesses, inventors, researchers, NGOs and technology organisations.
Empowering people
Prize money of approximately R2 million is available to 23 winners of the six-month competition known as the “empowering people award”.
The competition was launched by the Siemens Stiftung at the Rio +20 sustainable development conference, in June.
Pandor said she has no doubt about South African talent and abilities, and is fully supportive of efforts to stimulate and promote innovation. “I am particularly pleased this competition focuses on sustainable development and environmentally-friendly solutions.”
Self-improvement
Entries can be submitted within six categories: water and waste water; energy, food and agriculture; waste management and recycling; housing and construction; healthcare; and ICTs.
Siemens says the competition aims to make innovative technology more accessible to the development community, and to empower people to improve their own social and economic conditions.
Innovators and developer teams can submit a proven product or solution that can help combat development challenges by providing better access to appropriate technology.
“Whether you are a school, university, research institution, NGO, company or inventor, everybody in SA who has invented a technology solution to basic development challenges is invited to take part in the competition,” says Ulrike Wahl, MD of the Siemens Stiftung.
Ideas and projects entered into the competition will be made available to governments, innovators and development organisations through a global database which provides access to knowledge and financial resources.
“We hope to connect bright minds and powerful technology solutions with vulnerable people needing basic services, and to provide a tool which enables interaction, knowledge exchange, and cooperation,” says Wahl.
Big cash
The first prize, to be awarded in June 2013 by the Siemens Stiftung, is in euros and approximately R500 000, the second is R300 000, and the third R200 000. A further R50 000 will be awarded to 20 runners-up.
All intellectual properties will remain with the inventor or team. The entries will be valued by an interdisciplinary and international jury.
Entries close on 31 December.
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