Kenyans stand a chance to secure fully paid business support, mentorship, and a cash prize of up to Ksh8.6 million (£50,000), thanks to the United Kingdom (UK) government.
The UK government, through its embassy in Nairobi, has called for applications for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation offered through the Royal Academy of Engineering.
The Academy is one of four agencies that receive funding from the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills for activities that support government policy on public understanding of science and engineering.
Since its launch in 2014, the Prize has supported 165 businesses across 22 African countries, with 71% of its alumni generating revenue and collectively raising over $39 million in grants and investment.
It aims to stimulate, celebrate, and reward innovation and entrepreneurship, while showcasing how engineering can drive economic development and improve quality of life.
The prestigious program is open for applications and targets ambitious engineers and entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa who are solving real problems with scalable innovations.
Are you an engineer or entrepreneur in sub-Saharan Africa?
Apply for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation to receive business training, mentoring, and the chance to win up to £50,000.
What Participants of the UK-Based Program Will Benefit From
Up to 16 shortlisted participants will be selected for an eight-month tailored acceleration program, designed to transform promising prototypes into scalable businesses.
Shortlisted participants will benefit from:
- Two fully funded residential training weeks, one in the UK and one in a major African city
- Bespoke business training and mentoring
- Technical support and sector-specific engineering expertise
- Strategic communications and international media exposure
- Access to a powerful network of entrepreneurs, investors, and engineering leaders across Africa and the UK
“The program awards crucial commercialization support to ambitious African innovators developing scalable engineering solutions to local challenges,” the Academy said.
The initiative culminates in the Africa Prize Showcase Event, where finalists pitch to a panel of expert judges.
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Prize Funding of Over Ksh10 Million
A total prize pot of £60,000 (Ksh10.3 million) is shared among five winners. The overall winner receives £25,000, three runners-up are awarded £10,000 each, and a one to Watch prize of £5,000 is given to an outstanding participant showing great potential.
This means that even if you don’t take home the top prize, there is still funding and long-term business support.
Since its inception in 2014, the Africa Prize has supported 165 entrepreneurs across 22 countries. Many of them have gone on to scale their businesses, generate jobs, and attract further investment.
According to the Academy, 71% of alumni are currently generating revenue, and have collectively raised Ksh5 billion ($39 million) in grants and equity investment.
African innovations funded by the Africa Prize have included healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, water, and education sectors, building a sustainable and inclusive society.
The program is open to both engineers and non-engineers, as long as their innovations are engineering-based and address local sustainable development challenges.
“Applicants must have a high level of English proficiency and must write their applications in English,” the Academy notes.
What Kind of Innovations Are Eligible?
Innovations can be physical products, technology, or services that fall under a broad definition of engineering. This includes:
- Agri-tech
- Biotechnology
- ICT and computer science
- Renewable energy
- Medical devices
- Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering
However, they must be:
- Based in sub-Saharan Africa
- Beyond the ideation stage, with a working prototype or minimum viable product
- In the early stages of commercialization
- Delivering social and/or environmental benefits
- Capable of scaling and being replicated
The innovation does not have to be entirely new; it could be a novel application of existing technology or an adaptation for a new market. What matters most is impact and feasibility
Applicants will also need to submit supporting documents, including a technical diagram, product photo, and, if applicable, a letter of consent from collaborators or intellectual property holders.
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How to Apply
The prize is open to individuals or teams, but the lead applicant must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country.
Additionally, they must be ordinarily based in Africa (exceptions are made for those temporarily overseas for studies), and must be 18 years or older by 23 September 2025.
Industrial researchers and organizations are not eligible, and previous Africa Prize alumni or teams with previously submitted innovations are also excluded.
However, alumni of other Academy programs such as LIF (Leaders in Innovation Fellowship) may be considered if they can show how participating in the Africa Prize would add value.
The application process has two stages. Stage One focuses on eligibility, technical viability, and a basic overview of your innovation. It takes about 90 minutes to complete.
Stage Two (for longlisted candidates only) gets into business planning, financials, and market analysis.
Applications are reviewed by technical experts and judges from the Academy’s extensive network.
The deadline for the application is September 23, 2025, through https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/about-the-prize/how-to-apply/.
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