National Engineering Innovation Prize 2015 , Application On

NSE 2015 National Engineering Innovation Prize application is on. The
Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) is delighted to announce the call
for the 2015 National Engineering Innovation Prize (NEIP)
applications.
The NEIP honours and encourages innovative ideas and inventions in
technology and engineering careers as well as business opportunities
with potential of contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria.
The NEIP recognizes innovative breakthroughs that unlock new
potentials in the following four priority areas. The award is not
restricted to these areas therefore if there are innovations in a
different thematic area applications can still be submitted for entry.
NEIP PRIORITY AREAS
The NEIP recognizes innovative breakthroughs that unlock new
potentials in the following four priority areas. The award is not
restricted to these areas therefore if there are innovations in a
different thematic area applications can still be submitted for entry.
Agriculture and Environment:
Innovations that have demonstrated a lead in both agriculture and
environment, particularly, value added at specific points of the
agricultural value-chain. It is about providing new ways to ensure a
food-secure future. The innovation could be about commercial and
market-oriented farming as well as small-scale and subsistence
farming.
Transportation, Energy, Water and Housing:
Innovations that have demonstrated a lead in developing or applying
cost-effective, smart renewable energy generation processes, cleaner
water supply systems, effective transport systems etc. It is about the
way we adapt to climate challenges and steward our natural resources
to impact the inheritance we leave to the future generations of
Nigerians.
Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs):
Innovative ICTs applications that have demonstrated their potential in
addressing key development challenges in African societies (e.g. in
communities) or economy, including: software, mobile/wireless
technologies and local language software. It is about developing new
solutions that address everyday challenges that help Nigerians live
and work more effectively.
Manufacturing and Service Industry:
Innovations that have demonstrated a lead in addressing the key
pillars of innovation in production technology/industry: created high
added-value, greener, more customer -focused and/or high quality
products; manufacturing more with less input materials, using lowest
energy and creating fewest or zero waste. It is about helping people
across the continent literally build better lives.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are registered via ( www.nse.org.ng/neip- apply-now).
You should consider submitting your application if you are a Nigerian
student, entrepreneur, corporate entity, academic and research
institution with an innovation that could potentially provide a
solution to some of the everyday challenges.
Below are specific guidelines on who can apply and how to apply:
i. Eligible innovations MUST be by Nigerians. Nigerians in the
Diaspora can also apply if their innovations are of significance to
Nigeria.
ii. An application with a full description of the innovation must be
sequentially explained with pictorial representation using PowerPoint.
iii. The innovation description should clearly illustrate the social
and/or economic outcome and impact with regard to Africa development
and the priority area chosen, and should be in line with the NEIP
assessment and selection criteria.
iv. Application and description of the innovation should be in English.
Applicants have the option to attach a letter of support/endorsement
from an institution or an authority with knowledge of their
innovation. This will serve as a testimony of how important the
innovation is in addressing development challenges faced by Nigerians.
There is no application fee.
PRIZE MONEY
The 2015 NEIP will consist of three Prize categories, awarded on three
separate levels for each category.
They are:
1. Schools (Institutions of learning and research).
2. Individuals: These are self-sponsored and independent of any organisation.
3. Corporate organisations and industry giants.
Levels of award in each category are;
(A) First Prize (N20M): This prize will be awarded to the innovator
with the overall best innovation that meets all the above-mentioned
NEIP criteria and has a clear business potential.
(B) Second Prize (N10M): This prize will be given to the selected
innovator with a commercially-driven innovation. In addition to the
aforementioned criteria, this category of award will be carefully
assessed on its marketability potential and will be awarded to the
innovation with the best commercial/business potential.
(C) Third Prize (N5M): This category of award will be assessed
carefully on its particular social impact in the community/country and
will be awarded to the innovation with the best social impact.In
arriving at an assessment of the application, the Selection Panel will
evaluate a submitted innovation against the following five criteria:
1) Originality: The uniqueness of the product and its superiority in
comparison with similar or alternative products in the market;
2) Marketability: The extent to which the innovation sufficiently
addresses the problem it seeks to solve at a price or model that is
accessible to the target market;
3) Scalability: The extent to which the innovation can be easily
applied to other similar markets beyond the applicant's immediate or
local environment;
4) Social impact: The ability of the innovation to create or effect
positive or desirable changes within the target community and beyond;
5) Scientific/technical aspects: For tangible technical/scientific
products; this refers to the extent to which the technical/scientific
specifications of the innovation are grounded on established science
and sufficiently address any anticipated product risks.
CLOSING DATE
This Year application will close by Friday, 31st July, 2015.