Eswatini: ESCCOM Launches E100 000 National Innovation Challenge

Are you an entrepreneur with an idea that can introduce impactful change in a sustainable, measurable, agile, and relevant way? If yes, then you should apply for the National Innovation Challenge which has been launched by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM).

ESCCOM Chief Executive (CE) Mvilawemphi Dlamini when launching the Challenge revealed that the main areas of focus include education, agriculture, e-commerce, ICT connectivity, health, and clean energy among other thematic areas.

The Commission further revealed that start-ups with three innovative prototypes would receive funding. “Tech hub/Startups with the best three innovative prototypes will be awarded seed funding or cash prizes of E100 000, E75 000, and E55 000 respectively, to help commercialize or put their product on the market. The winner will be afforded an opportunity for an invitation to global Hackfest and conferences. The prototypes must be commercially viable to be on the market in not more than 2 years” notes ESCCOM.

The Innovation Challenge runs from the 6^th of February – 17 March 2023 under the theme: “Promoting Sustainable Digital Services Development in Eswatini” and seeks to harness Eswatini’s formidable multi-disciplinary research and development capabilities to develop practical, impactful solutions to national challenges in areas such as agriculture, education, ICT, climate change and health, including those brought by the current COVID 19 pandemic.

The CE reiterated that the initiative is aimed at unearthing small start-ups with a high-risk appetite. The Commission will then support them to commercialize their solution that is proudly engineered in Eswatini. Dlamini added that their goal is to establish networking opportunities for entrepreneurs in the ecosystem by exposing them to necessary research-based information, knowledge, and services.

He concluded by calling upon corporates, government agencies, and other stakeholders to support them in this endeavour “Allow me to make an invitation to all corporates, government agencies, partners, and angel investors to come to the party and ensure this initiative we are launching becomes an innovation disruptive platform for the country going forward. The Innovation Challenge cannot be a success without your partnership and support. We need you to come on board, this initiative is way bigger than us alone.”

Why a National Innovation Challenge (According to ESCCOM)

• The National Innovation Challenge (NIC) is Eswatini’s answer to large and complex digital problems facing the country’s socioeconomic landscape.
• To promote Digital SMEs with new business delivery breakthroughs.
• To motivate and encourage Eswatini youths to engage in innovative developments for the telecoms/ICT industry and other key economic sectors.
• To improve the nation’s ability to compete in the global economy.
• The challenge seeks to harness Eswatini’s formidable multi-disciplinary research and development capabilities to develop practical, impactful solutions to national challenges in areas such as Agriculture, Education, ICT, Climate Change, and Health including those brought by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
•  To foster social and economic development. These solutions improve the lives of Emaswati and carry the potential for commercial spinoffs both locally and abroad.
• To impart technical and business development knowledge and skills to the targeted groups to enhance their capacity to position themselves for successful commercialization.
• The Innovation Challenge will ultimately raise the profile of innovators deserving of acknowledgment and recognition.
• To promote and celebrate innovation in Eswatini.