NEWS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN a renewable energy source for heat production as a substitute for charcoal .
• Kiri EV , Christopher Maara , Kenya – An end-to-end affordable and clean energy mobility provider , from electric motorcycles , scooters and tuktuks to battery charging infrastructure across Kenya .
• MAVUNOLAB Solar Dryer , Dr Evodius Rutta , Tanzania – A low-cost solarpowered dryer developed to help small-scale fish processors and farmers in off-grid locations by enhancing food safety and hygiene for perishable food products .
• Microfuse Stick Computer , Ivan Karugaba , Uganda – A compact and affordable device that plugs in to any screen , projector or monitor to transform it into a Wi-Fi-connected computer , increasing computer access and digital inclusivity .
• Myco-Substitutes , Abubakari Zarouk Imoro , Ghana – An eco-friendly sewage treatment that uses viruses , bacteria , and fungi to treat and feed on faecal waste and produce yarn and leather substitutes .
• PenKeep , Adaeze Akpagbula , Nigeria – A climate-smart remote sensing device that monitors and controls environmental conditions in poultry farms , ensuring optimal health and productivity of chickens .
• Second-Life Batteries , Léandre Berwa , Rwanda – A solution that repurposes retired electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries to be assembled as a back-up power supply for telecom towers and mini electricity grids .
• The Kitchen Box , Tunde Adeyemi , Nigeria – An affordable biogas digester technology which turns any type of organic waste into animal feed and organic fertiliser and generates clean energy for heating and cooking .
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation , founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014 , is Africa ’ s biggest prize dedicated to developing African innovators and helping them to maximise their impact . It gives commercialisation support to ambitious African innovators developing scalable engineering solutions to address local challenges , demonstrating the importance of engineering as an enabler of improved quality of life and economic development .
The Africa Prize shortlist takes part in an eight-month training and mentoring programme , during which experts provided tailored , one-on-one support designed to accelerate and strengthen the businesses of each member of the shortlist . Training covered business plans , scaling , recruitment , IP protection , sector-specific engineering mentoring , communication , financing , and commercialisation . Support from the Royal Academy of Engineering connects the alumni to global networks that can accelerate their business and technology development , including fellow entrepreneurs , mentors , potential investors
The early crop pest and disease detection device .
and suppliers . The prize offers lifelong support through its alumni network .
The Africa Prize has been supported by the UK Government , including the UK ’ s Global Challenges Research Fund and the
Department for Science , Innovation and Technology ’ s Official Development Assistance funding , as well as charitable trusts and foundations , individual donors and corporate partners over the last ten years . CLA
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation , founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014 , is Africa ’ s biggest prize dedicated to developing African innovators .
6 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2024