19 Apr 2020

In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) has announced the launch of the Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) Third Call for Proposals.

In a press release, BIH says the Third Call for Proposals opened for applications from April 18, and closes on May 1. It states that the Third Call for Proposals is targeting entrepreneurs, applications developers, indigenous knowledge holders, social enterprises, civil society and non-governmental organisations.

The releases says the Call for Proposals places emphasis on innovative digital solutions, working product prototypes that are ready to scale and address the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated socio-economic effects.

Further to this, the solutions will be sustained by IP development and registration, technology transfer and commercialisation of solutions, and it is envisaged that private sector entities will have an opportunity to invest or participate in the implementation of the chosen solutions,” says the release.

In addition, the media release states that the Call for Proposals target, but are are not limited to mobile and web-based solutions (e.g. food value chain e-commerce solutions), data enabled solutions with the ability to analyse and publish information on the go, working prototypes of products, processes, value added services, community social interventions, tools and gadgets that may be of high demand during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the release, it is expected that the solutions will address challenges in public health systems, public service delivery, transportation and payments, logistics and value chains, among others.

It further reveals that submitted proposals will be evaluated for funding based on the solutions’ unique value proposition, social impact, commercial and technical viability as well as the individual’s or teams’ ability and capability to develop and commercialise the solution.

Meanwhile, BIH CEO, Mr Alan Boshwaen was quoted as saying, “The COVID-19 pandemic fight requires us to be flexible and adaptable, the BIF instrument has adapted to the current situation and accommodated funding of innovative solutions in response to the challenges of the pandemic. As a disruption to the norm as we know it, the COVID-19 challenges present opportunities for innovators to innovate for now and the future. These innovations will form part of the positive outcomes of the COVID-19 when we reflect on all our efforts to fight the pandemic.”

Applicants can visit the Covid19BWchallenge https://form.jotform.com/innovationfund/application to submit their proposals. ENDS