overview of yic

The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) is the Innovate Durban dynamic initiative designed to inspire and support young innovators in addressing pressing real-world problems. Participants are invited to develop innovative solutions that can be transformed into viable startup businesses. Supported by key partner eThekwini Municipality and this year’s co-funder SAP to help support and enhance the impact of the YIC.

Now in its 8th annual iteration, the Youth Innovation Challenge brings together 80 youth participants (ages 18-35) to tackle the pressing challenges faced by the residents and businesses of Greater Durban. 

challenge sTATEMENT

WHY pARTICIPATE?​

  • Become an innovative problem solver.
  • Connect with fellow ambitious young people who want to make a difference!
  • Network with leading companies and mentors. 
  • Prizes: 1st: R35,000 | 2nd: R25,000 | 3rd: R15,000.
  • Access to a comprehensive support programme.
  • Invitation to our Annual Innovation Festival.

Criteria

  • Age:Youth between the age of 18-35 years old
  • Qualification: At least one team member must have completed Post graduate STEM Related qualification such as Honours or be in their final year of study. 
  • Location: Residents of Durban
  • Clear focus: Interest in this year’s challenge sectors.
  • Team Size: There must be at least one STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Maths) graduate or final year student  in the team.
  • Participants: Teams must have at least 2 female participants.
  • Note: This is an innovation programme and competition so no existing products or existing solutions can be entered. Solutions will be developed from scratch during the programm

TIMELINE

Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Applications Open
Criteria, T&Cs apply.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Monday, September 09, 2024
Information Session
Webinar on how to apply.
Monday, September 09, 2024
Friday, September 20, 2024
Deadline applications
Friday, September 20, 2024
01, 02, 03, 04, & 07 , October 2024
Capacity Building Workshops
Knowledge transfer from technical and business industry experts on Design Thinking & Ideation Sprints , Intro to Innovation, Intellectual Property and Art of Pitching.
01, 02, 03, 04, & 07 , October 2024
08 October - 08 November 2024
Prototype and Solution Development
Access to state-of-the-art Innovation Co-Lab for rapid prototyping and solution development.
08 October - 08 November 2024
Monday, November 11, 2024
final Pitch
Solution pitching to panel of judges.
Monday, November 11, 2024
14 November 2024
Award ceremony
Winners will be announced at our INNOVATION FESTIVAL.
14 November 2024

yic 2023

Previous winners

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For more information contact us at Programmes Team : (+27) 87 365 3131

READY TO harness the power of technology and innovation