Africa Science Entrepreneurship Program 2024 Call for Technical Mentors – International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF)
Download ISPF Mentorship Brochure 20 May 2024 (pdf)
Maximizing Impact Through Technology Transfer & Commercialisation
The Africa Science Entrepreneurship (ASE) program is an 18-month virtual, accelerator program for data innovation products that are using Machine Learning / AI tools and techniques to address uniquely African challenges. The ASE program seeks technical mentors to assist participants on a part-time basis with the development of their data innovation solutions into a minimum marketable product. Technical mentors will be part of all aspects of the product development, working closely with Leeds University Business School in assisting participants to integrate their entrepreneurial learnings while building their data solution.
Thematic areas under this call include African-focused data innovations in areas of agriculture/agri-tech, extreme weather/climate change, health, addressing the energy crisis, environmental resilience, and building resilient cities. Technical mentors must indicate their preference in areas that they wish to supervise based on their expertise and level of experience. Individuals based in any African country are eligible to apply as technical mentors. Applicants having residency in an African country but not permanently based on the continent will also be considered for the role.
More about the ASE Program:
1. A 12-month virtual entrepreneurship course will be presented by Leeds University Business School and will include the following modules – What makes a good innovator and/ or entrepreneur; Understanding the Business Model Canvas; IP Management; Preparing your Pitch Deck & Pitching your solution.
2. Technical support and mentorship over an 18-month period for participants to develop their data innovation solution.
3. An opportunity for participants to present their solution at a Pitching & Technology Showcasing event to be hosted in South Africa in 2025, allowing the best solutions to engage with the South African market and innovation ecosystem. All technical mentors will be hosted at this event.
4. Each technical mentor will be allocated 4 – 5 participants as part of the programme, to support data solutions developed by an individual participant or group of participants.
5. Work carried out by technical mentors will be managed by a Lead Technical Mentor identified by the organising consortium.
6. Technical mentors will take on this role for a period of 18 months beginning in August 2024.
7. Technical mentors will receive a monthly honorarium of ZAR 8,000 (total) in acknowledgement of their time.
Eligibility criteria for Technical Mentors:
1. Must have a minimum qualification of a MSc in any scientific research area.
2. Must have 5 years or more experience in applying data science tools, techniques, and technologies in scientific research.
3. Must have experience in project management and implementation of solutions-driven approaches in applying ML/AI technologies to product development.
4. Preference will be given to individuals affiliated with a research organisation / university on the African continent. However, applicants having residency in an African country but not permanently based on the continent will also be considered for the role.
5. Must have excellent communication skills and experience in supervising students and/or working with students through various training initiatives.
6. Must show confidence in having the time to deliver on all activities set out for the technical mentors as part of the programme.
7. End-to-End Guidance: Seek mentors who can guide through all stages of analysis.
8. Genuine Interest: Choose mentors genuinely invested in the participant’s success, with a wide professional network.
Apply here – Google Form: https://forms.gle/aYdg84gMtJhNdjXr9
More information – Contact smeyer@sarao.ac.za or consultant@empirepartnerfoundation.org
The ASE Program is funded by the British Council under the International Science Partnerships Fund.
For more information on the ISPF please follow this link:
https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/he-science/our-work/international-science-partnerships-fund
CLOSING DATE : 19 June 2024
Share this