ABOUT
What is the Africa Earth Observation Challenge?
The Africa Earth Observation (AEO) Challenge is an annual open innovation challenge aimed at sourcing novel space technologies since 2016. This challenge seeks to drive entrepreneurial activity in the African space industry and promote awareness of the value of earth observation data across the continent and in multiple sectors such as water and food security, mining, logistics, insurance, and many more.
Earth observation gathers information about the planet’s physical, chemical, and biological systems via remote-sensing technologies. This information can then be used to monitor changes in natural and artificial environments.
Why Now?
- The African space-tech sector is one of the fastest-growing markets globally, but it is still significantly underexploited. This sector represents a massive investment opportunity.
- The African Union has identified earth observation as a critical resource that must be leveraged in achieving Africa’s development goals.
- One of the best ways to grow this sector is through an open innovation challenge.
Outcomes
- To identify the most promising innovators, entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across Africa and develop them into sustainable companies
- To develop Africa’s geospatial readiness so that African businesses can service African demand for geospatial intelligence
PROCESS
1. Search process:
African innovators & entrepreneurs invited to submit novel business ideas.
2. ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT:
Finalists enter 2-week business development support programme to take their companies to the next level.
3. Pitching den:
Participants pitch to a panel of judges and other industry players. Winners receive a range of prizes.
4. Ongoing entrepreneur support:
All participants are empowered with ongoing support to build sustainable businesses.
5. TECH DEMO DAY:
Selected entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of VCs for investment.
TIMELINE
PRIZES
What’s in it for the winners?
There are various prizes that will be up are for grabs for the Challenge finalists, including:
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Cash prizes in the form of a grant of up to $10 000 in total (to be distributed across top three winners).
Incubation & Mentorship
4-month online incubation and virtual mentorship.
CLOUD SERVICES
Up to $ 10 000 worth of Amazon Web Services Activate credits (to be distributed across all three winners).
Technical Support
Technical support will be available to the Challenge participants from the leading EOD specialising organisations.
DATA PACKAGES
3 months access to Maxar Imagery Portal Securewatch; Access to Planet Labs data & imagery for R&D use; Access to ESRI sample data, apps, notebooks, deep learning models.
IP SERVICES Support
Intellectual property-related support services from intellectual property attorneys, Von Seidels.
TECHNOLOGY SUBSCRIPTIONS
Various packages of subscriptions to ArcGIS, user conference pass and ESRI Imagery Summit.
MEDIA PUBLICITY
Feature in interviews and editorials via selected media channels.