SBIR call Design innovations of local materials for construction, public space and health sector Africa
Are you interested in innovation and sustainability in a new context? Then this SBIR challenge might be for you. At the beginning of 2022, the SBIR call Design and innovate with locally available materials for economic and environmental impact opened. You can submit your idea that fits this challenge. During an SBIR process you will research and test how the innovation can be made suitable with local partners in one of the African countries: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Mozambique, Uganda and South Africa.
We also invite innovators and designers who are not yet active internationally or in the above countries to submit an idea. This SBIR offers a paid feasibility phase to further research your first idea and find partners.
In many African countries there is an increasing urgency to:
- efficient use of local (secondary) raw materials;
- replace imported raw materials with (cheaper) local alternatives; and
- use these materials in the design, development and production of sustainable products and services.
As the prices of raw materials rise and various high-cost raw materials are imported and transported, the economic burden on entrepreneurs increases. In addition, current designs based on imported raw materials and concepts often have a negative impact on the environment. Such as a high CO2 footprint or they result in hazardous waste flows. This SBIR challenges parties to come up with smart solutions and alternatives to replace imported materials and to reduce the ecological footprint and costs.
Themes
This SBIR has 3 themes for which you can submit ideas. The focus is on innovative solutions that fit into the local context of the target countries. As an entrepreneur, you decide which challenge you want to tackle, for which sector and in which country. Collaboration with local parties and organisations that can implement the innovations is necessary.
- Built environment
- Public space and infrastructure
- Healthcare products
Duration
The duration of the assignment is expected to be from April 2022 to November 2024 at the latest. It is important that you have the motivation to make your innovation a success and that you continue when the financing from the SBIR stops.
Budget
A maximum budget of € 3,900,000 is available (all amounts include VAT).
Online information meetings
A 2nd online information meeting will be held on 28 January from 10:30-12:00 (on 18 January, 2022 was the 1st). You will receive an explanation of the call and the opportunity to network with other participants.
Register for 28 January with the online application form.