2021 STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY LaunchLab SCIENCE IDEA AND STARTUP SHOWCASE ($7000 PRICE MONEY)
Humanity faces unprecedented challenges. But nowhere else are we more resolved to solving those challenges, than right here in Africa. Stellenbosch University LaunchLab Science Idea and Startup Showcase believes that the sciences hold the keys to a brighter future for Africa which is why it is hosting a science-themed startup and idea showcase in partnership with the University of Stellenbosch Science Faculty and Alphawave.
The Science Showcase will spotlight 8 – 10 of the best commercialisable ideas and existing businesses from across the continent focused on providing science-based solutions for African challenges. The winning teams will gain access to valuable prize money, mentoring sessions, focused workshops, and a spot in the February 2022 cohort of Countdown, Stellenbosch University LaunchLab Science Idea and Startup Showcase flagship incubation program.
What The Stellenbosch University LaunchLab Science Idea and Startup Showcase
We are looking for entrepreneurs with commercialisable ideas or existing businesses that provide science-based solutions to African challenges in the following fields:
- Physical sciences – physics, chemistry, earth, and space
- Life sciences – biochemistry, microbiology, zoology, botany, ecology
- Applied sciences – engineering, medicine
- Computer sciences
- Mathematics
If your science-based solution is suitable for the Stellenbosch University LaunchLab Science Idea and Startup Showcase you will fit the following eligibility criteria for either category:
| Existing Business | Idea |
| You are operating in AfricaYou have a science-based solution to address an African challenge* You have an MVP and/or are sellingYou have at least one full-time team memberYou have been working on your venture for more than 6 monthsWilling to enter SU LL’s flagship Countdown program’s February cohort (8-week course) | You are situated in AfricaYou have a science-based and commercialisable idea that would address an African challenge*Willing to enter SU LL’s flagship Countdown program’s February cohort (8-week course) |
*The challenge does not have to be unique to Africa but must be encountered in Africa
How the Stellenbosch University LaunchLab Science Idea and Startup Showcase
| 1. Deadline: | 2. Shortlisting: | 3. Virtual pitching event: |
| Submit your ideas online by 23:59 on Sunday, 29 August 2021. | After all the submissions are received, the top participants will be shortlisted, and from that, we will select 8 – 10 finalists. | Shortlisted participants will pitch to a panel of judges, potential investors, and an audience at a live event via Zoom on 21 September 2021 from 14:00 – 16:30 SAST. Every team will have 4 minutes to pitch and the judges will have 4 minutes to present questions. |
The judging panel may consist of nominees from:
- SU Science Faculty
- Alphawave
- SU LaunchLab Science Partners
The judges’ scoring will be based on the following criteria*:
| Existing Business | Idea |
| Customer challengeClear need / challengeMarket identified and validatedSolutionValue proposition clearSolution feasible / realistically achievableOriginality, innovation, and thoughtfulnessScale potentialImpact on challengeDifferentiation from competitionCore revenue model and ancillary revenue streamsProgress / tractionProduct developmentTraction-to-date (relationships with key market participants, sales, downloads, website traffic, etc.)TeamExpertise and experienceFuture and needRealistic and appropriate call to action / “ask”Measurable, achievable milestonesOverall pitchClear, engaging, and interesting | Customer challengeClear need / challengeMarket identified SolutionValue proposition clearSolution feasible / realistically achievableOriginality, innovation, and thoughtfulnessScale potentialImpact on challengeProgress / tractionTestsRelationships with key market participantsGrant or other fundingTeamExpertise and experienceFuture and needRealistic and appropriate call to action / “ask”Measurable, achievable milestonesOverall pitchClear, engaging, and interesting |
*Sub bullet points are meant to serve as guide for applicants – not exhaustive.
Finalists of the Stellenbosch University LaunchLab Science Idea and Startup Showcase stand the chance to win:
| Place | Existing Business | Idea | At Large:Alphawave Tech Entrepreneur Prize* |
| 1 | R50 000 prizeA spot and in 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort)1 hour mentoring session with SU LL CEO | R 10 000 prize1 hour mentoring session1 hour customer discovery workshop with the other Idea-winners | R 33 333 prize A spot in and 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort) (if not already received the discount for above 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prizes)* This prize is awarded at the discretion of Alphawave. |
| 2 | R 25 000 prize A spot and in and 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort) | 1 hour customer discovery workshop with other Idea-winners | |
| 3 | R 10 000 prize A spot and in and 50% discount for SU LL’s flagship Countdown program (February cohort) | 1 hour customer discovery workshop with other Idea-winners |
Virtual pitching event date & time: 21 September 2021 at 14:00 – 16:30 SAST.
If you have an innovative Science business, submit your application now!
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