The Gauteng Innovation Competition is an annual challenge that seeks innovative solutions to enhance local government service delivery. This competition is an initiative of the Innovation Hub, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency and Gauteng Department of Economic Development. Entries are invited for the two themes of mobile and green technologies, with prize money around R1 million.
The 2011 edition of the competition attracted more than 130 entries and over R1 million in prize money was awarded. The 2012 edition of the competition is looking for innovations that address key service delivery challenges in the province within two themes; mobile and green technologies. Municipalities and key sector stakeholders have assisted us in identifying seven high priority opportunities within the two themes.
Mobile Focus Areas:
- Citizen participation. Municipalities are looking for better ways to communicate with the citizens they serve. How can mobile phones be used to enhance interaction between public officials and citizens within the province?
- Transport and traffic management. Gauteng has very high traffic volumes and a rapidly expanding public transport network. How can mobile phones be used to reduce congestion and improve the performance of public transport?
- Community safety. The Gauteng Provincial Government and municipalities are striving to reduce the levels of crime in the province. Do you have an idea for an app that can contribute to a safer, more secure society?
- Green Focus Areas
- Waste to energy. Much of the cities’ waste goes into landfills, while the province suffers from energy shortages. How can this waste be converted to energy to reduce pollution while contributing electricity to the grid?
- Energy efficiency. There are limits on the amount of energy that can be generated through both renewable and non-renewable sources. Do you have an innovative way to reduce the energy requirements in the province, particularly within the municipalities?
- Solar energy. Solar energy is a clean and abundant resource that can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels but the technology is expensive and there are not enough local manufacturers. How can cities harness this resource in a cost effective way?
- Water management. South Africa is a water-poor country, and yet much water is wasted through inefficiency and industrial waste. How can the province improve the way that water resources are managed?
There is a total of R1 million in prize money for the competition, which will be divided between the two themes. To be eligible for a prize, you will need to submit a concept which addresses one or more of the focus areas highlighted above. Concepts need to show innovation in the technology being used, the application of the technology, or the proposed business model.
Important Dates:
Entries open: 20th August, 2012
Deadline for submissions: 31st October, 2012
For further information, visit the link.
