The Next Einstein Forum (NEF), an initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, in partnership with Robert Bosch Stiftung, has opened applications for its Challenge of Invention to Innovation competition (Ci2i).

NEF is inviting young African scientists and innovators under 42 years of age to present their research driven innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the NEF Global Gathering 2018 to be held 26-28 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The competition aims to connect science, society and policy in Africa with the rest of the world - to leverage science for human development globally, says NEF. It says Africa's contributions to the global scientific community are critical for global progress.

According to the World Bank report, to be more competitive, expand trade, and remove barriers to enter new markets, Africa must expand knowledge and expertise in science and technology.

From increased agricultural productivity to higher energy production, from more efficient and broadly available ICT services to better employability around the extractive industries, building human capital in science and technology is critical to empower Africa to take advantage of its strengths, it adds.

"The goal of the Ci2i competition is to reward research-based innovation and highlight the global impact of African researchers and entrepreneurs. At the NEF, we believe that inventions, especially science-driven ones, are critical to Africa's transformation," says Youssef Travaly, director of programmes and lead scientist at the NEF.

"It is not enough to have ideas or inventions, to impact humanity these inventions must reach the people and become innovations. The Ci2i is one platform which will bridge this gap."

Says Thierry Zomahoun, president and CEO of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and founder and chair of NEF: "While innovation competitions have become commonplace in Africa, the NEF Ci2i seeks to support the scale up of research-driven innovations.

The competition is split into three categories: deep tech innovations, climate smart innovations and personalised health innovations.

"These strategic categories and the innovations that will come out of NEF Ci2i are not only relevant for Africa but will give African innovators competitive edge globally," says Zomahoun.

The deadline for the submission of applications is 12 February 2018. Click here to apply.