The GIST Technology-Idea (Tech-I) competition - 2015

The GIST Technology-Idea (Tech-I) competition is an annual competition for science and technology entrepreneurs from around the world. Aspiring innovators submit an application online and the global voting public and experts choose thirty finalists for an all-expense paid trip to the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in sub-Saharan Africa. GIST Tech-I winners, selected by experts at the GES, will receive mini-grants and receive intensive one-on-one mentorship and training.

Important Dates and Eligibility

• Competition Launch: 17 February 2015
• Application Deadline: 20 March 2015

Application must be for an Idea or Startup science and technology product, research, or service with commercial potential in the areas of health, agriculture, energy, and information communications technology (ICT).

Basic Eligibility

• Scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, or innovators must be citizens of a GIST eligible country. You must NOT be a permanent resident or a citizen of the United States. 
• You must be between the ages of 18-40 years old on 20 March 2015.
• Your application must be written in English and your video must be in English or provide English subtitles.

Tech-I Process Overview

• 17 February – 20 March Applicants submit a complete application including a 90 second video 
• 30 March – 3 May Expert review panels will evaluate and review all applications based on and a 750 word Executive Summary via the GIST Tech-I website subject areas and GIST regions; selecting semi-finalists for public voting
• 11 May – 11 June Videos of all semi-finalists will be available online for global voting
• 15 June Thirty finalists will be selected based on merit and the results of the 

All thirty finalists will be invited to attend the 2015 GES in sub-Saharan Africa (exact location and timing to be confirmed) and receive intensive two-day training and mentorship. Finalists will make their final ‘pitch’ at the GES, in either Idea Stage or Startup Stage, which will be judged and ranked by expert panels and the winners will be announced during an award ceremony.

Prizes, which will be distributed to winners as mini-grants, will total $70,000, including individual prizes of up to $15,000. Additionally, all finalists will receive a one-year AAAS membership and up to 3 months of mentoring.

Further Information, visit: www.gistnetwork.org/tech-i or email, Tech-i@gistnetwork.org 

Program Announcement in English