Sh700,000 up for grabs in innovation contest

University students display their solar-powered mower at the 5th National Science Week that opened on May 16, 2016 in Nairobi. There will be a competition that will see innovative youth receive cash rewards. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • A total of 15 teams will take part, from July 22. Each team will consist of three contestants and an adviser.

A total of Sh700,000 is up for grabs in a technology contest seeking to promote innovation, vocational education and an enterprising drive among the youth.

The African Tech Challenge (ATC), targeting particularly those pursuing technology courses at tertiary institutions, will be launched in Nairobi on July 28.

ATC is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and AVIC International - a civil and mechanical engineering firm.

During a pre-launch briefing, Ms Louise Dang, a public relations official for the ATC organisers, said the theme for this year’s challenge is “Made in Kenya”, and is aimed at encouraging the growth of home-grown modern technology.

“This year’s challenge will be on the development and operation of lathe making,” said Ms Dang. The challenge will consist of training first, then the contest itself.

A total of 15 teams will take part, from July 22. Each team will consist of three contestants and an adviser.

The winning team will take home $2,000 (Sh200,000), while the first and second runners-up will receive $1,600 (Sh160,000) and $1,200 (Sh120,000), respectively. Teams in fourth, fifth and sixth places will also receive cash.