African startups now have a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas by applying for the prestigious Innovate2PREVENT Innovation Contest. This global competition aims to showcase the creativity and ingenuity of talented individuals and teams worldwide.
By participating in this contest, African startups can demonstrate their ability to drive sustainable growth, reduce waste, and promote a more circular economy while also gaining valuable exposure and recognition on the global stage.
The contest encourages the development of groundbreaking, inclusive, and data-driven circular business solutions that can transform industries and create a better future.
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Innovating for a Circular Economy
The Innovate2PREVENT programme, run by Yunus Environment Hub on behalf of the PREVENT Waste Alliance, provides a unique forum for forward-thinkers, environmentalists, and innovators to present and promote their innovative ideas that support a circular economy in German Development Cooperation priority countries.
This programme prioritises sustainability and inclusion, ensuring that creative solutions support both just transition principles and environmental stewardship. In doing so, it encourages the creation of just and comprehensive solutions that benefit both people and the environment.
Through Innovate2PREVENT, participants can leverage resources, expertise, and networking opportunities to refine and scale their innovative solutions, driving real impact in pursuing a more circular and sustainable future.
The programme aims to address specific regional challenges and needs, fostering localised solutions that can be replicated and adapted globally.
Innovations to Impact the Circular Economy
The Innovate2PREVENT programme is seeking innovative solutions that fall into three distinct categories, all of which are crucial to achieving a circular economy:
First, strategies that increase the lifespan of products, complete resource loops, or maximise resource efficiency by reusing, repairing, or upgrading electrical and electronic equipment. This includes inventions that encourage resource reuse and recycling, cut waste, and extend the life and sustainability of items.
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Second, strategies that help reduce the usage of single-use plastics throughout the plastics value chain. This includes inventions that encourage the recycling and upcycling of plastic materials, lessen plastic waste, and swap out single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives.
Thirdly, methods spread the circular economy throughout the product life cycle’s different phases and value chains by utilising digital technologies and compatible data models. The previously mentioned advances employ data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and additional digital tools to optimise resource utilisation, minimise waste, and foster sustainable habits in consumption and production.
By seeking solutions in these three areas, Innovate2PREVENT aims to support innovators in developing groundbreaking solutions to drive meaningful change and contribute to a more sustainable and circular future.
Applications are ongoing, and the deadline is July 5.