National Engineering Innovation Prize 2015 , Application On-going

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.