Apply now: UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Early-Career Engineers in Africa
UNESCO and IEEE Entrepreneurship have collaborated to introduce a new entrepreneurship bootcamp in engineering focused on sustainable development. This intensive 5-day program is designed for early-career engineers in Luanda, Angola, scheduled to take place from 9 to 13 September 2024. African applicants keen on acquiring entrepreneurial skills to effectively market their scientific innovations are strongly encouraged to apply and seize this valuable opportunity. The bootcamp is being conducted in conjunction with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024-2033 and serves as a contribution to the 10th Africa Engineering Week.
Bootcamp Overview: – UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Early-Career Engineers in Africa
During the bootcamp, participants will delve into various topics such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of engineering and innovation in sustainable development, the significance of intellectual property (IP), basic financial knowledge for start-ups, strategies for taking an idea to market, creating business models and plans, success stories, innovation tools, key decisions faced by start-ups, fundraising for start-ups, and more. The program will feature a series of lectures, engaging discussions, group mentorship activities, and opportunities for one-on-one interactions with interested participants.
Topics will include:
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Opportunity assessment, Concept of intellectual property (IP) and its significance.
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Basic financial knowledge for start-ups, taking ideas to market – timelines and processes for taking an invention to market.
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Developing a business models and business plan, Success stories.
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Innovation tools: Key decisions encountered by start-ups, Raising funds for start-ups.
The contestants will receive guidance from a group of seasoned innovators and business owners, collaborating in small groups to create and present their concepts to a panel of evaluators. Prior to the bootcamp, there will be two virtual meetings to brainstorm ideas.
Provisional Timeline – UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Early-Career Engineers in Africa
| 31 July 2024 | Deadline for Applications |
| 06 August 2024 | Accepted participants are notified |
| 27 August 2024 | 1st virtual meet-up: Pre-bootcamp online engagement 1 – Introduction and soliciting ideas (2 hours) 5:00-7:00pm (Luanda time) |
| 3 September 2024 | 2nd virtual meet-up: Pre-bootcamp online engagement 2 – Team building exercise (2 hours) 5:00-7:00pm (Luanda time) |
| 9 September 2024 | Opening Ceremony 9:00 am to 1:00 pm of the 10th Africa Engineering Week 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. |
| 9-13 September 2024 | Entrepreneurship Bootcamp |
Eligibility – UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Early-Career Engineers in Africa
Participants must be:
- Below 35 years of age by 31 December 2024.
- Early-career engineers, including students registered in engineering programmes and engineering practitioners.
- A national and resident of an African country.
- Available for all days of the bootcamp, including the two-pre-bootcamp online engagements.
Coverage provided – UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Early-Career Engineers in Africa
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Accommodation in double rooms on a shared basis for those living outside of Luanda
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All meals
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Air tickets for qualifying participants arriving from outside Angola
UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Early-Career Engineers in Africa Application –
