The African Science research to Business Challenge

The African Science to Business Challenge is a pioneering initiative launched by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and RTI International (RTI) aimed at strengthening links between scientific research and business development.

The African Science to Business Challenge (ASBC) is designed to balance the need for scientific research that addresses immediate social and economic needs while building Africa’s capacities in STI. There has always been a gap between what is done in the research and academic environment and the needs of industry and society. What then is the essence of research?

"Despite their efforts African scientists have limited international recognition and interest by the private sector in advancing their research findings. The absence of a culture of research commercialization in many African countries prevents research from being translated into productive use for national economies."

According to ASBC, "Africa is home to more than 15 percent of the world’s population, yet it produces less than 1.5 percent of the world’s scientific knowledge – as measured by articles published in peer-reviewed international journals".

Specific aims of ASBC are:

1. Provide African scientists and researchers with an understanding of commercialization know-how, as well as the technical aspects (such as financial management, intellectual property, project management and market research);

2. Build strong, ongoing connections between researchers and research institutions with industry and investors who can help to bring ideas, inventions and innovations to market, or otherwise into economically productive use;

3. Bring research and outputs to the market, or into productive usage, in a timely and effective manner to yield tangible benefits from that research and ensure that it contributes to the economy and the broader community.

The Challenge supports the African development process based on the notion that science is a key strategy to business and enterprise development, which creates employment and wealth.

The 2009 inaugural Challenge focuses on two categories:

Biomedical Engineering, which integrates physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences and engineering principles for the study of biology, medicine, behavior and health. This category focuses on the development of new devices, algorithms, processes and systems that advance biology and medicine and improve medical practice and health care delivery.

and

Water Quality, which is central to the human rights and personal dignity of every human being. Yet there are currently over one billion people in the world lacking safe water and over two billion without adequate sanitation. This category will focus on marketable and innovative approaches to the use of biotechnology and development in nanotechnology for water purification, wastewater treatment and desalinization by African scientists with a focus on adaptation and appropriate applications of new technologies for delivering safe water for Africa, particularly in rural areas.

ELIGIBILITY

The eligibility criteria are that submissions must be from African researchers and research institutions:

1) An individual researcher sponsored by his/her organization or government, and/or
2) A reputable research institution or university

Click here  to submit your entry online.

Else send the following details by email to: asbc@uneca.org 

The name and country of the institution and individual undertaking research;
Title and abstract of the research;
Full description of the research programme;
1-2 pages outline of why and how the research has commercialization potential;
All entries in a language other than French and English must have translation and/or transcription included in the submission.
Submissions should not disclose Confidential Information.

A FULLY COMPLETED FORM WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH MUST ACCOMPANY EACH SUBMISSION - OTHERWISE THE ENTRY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

DEADLINE: October 30, 2009

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