The Presidential Innovation Award (PIA) is a module of the Talanta Hela programme run by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports that intends to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of innovators across the country. It will recognise and award the innovative work of top innovators in the country within the national priority areas. This will encourage and support young people who are using their innovativeness, creativity and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on society while becoming economically active.
Goal
The goal of the Presidential Innovation Award is to promote innovation as a driver for socio-economic development through fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and commercialisation capabilities of Kenyan innovators.
The main objectives of the Presidential Innovation Award are to
Scout and identify most promising innovative ideas and solutions from across the country.
Showcase the most promising innovations and startups at the Kenya Innovation Week
Recognise the achievements of the most promising innovators and startups at the Jamhuri Day Celebration
Support the commercialisation of the promising innovations through a Presidential accelerator programme.
The Presidential Innovation Award focuses on the following priority areas
Food Security and Agriculture
Innovations, technologies, and solutions that aim to increase food production, improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices, and enhance access to nutritious food for all people.
Digital Transformation
Innovations, technologies, and solutions that aim to leverage digital technologies to fundamentally change business processes, improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth.
Healthcare
Solutions that address healthcare challenges in society ranging from prevention, detection, surveillance, diagnosis, response, monitoring of health conditions to health promotion.
Entertainment and Gaming
Innovations, technologies, and solutions that aim to enhance the quality, engagement, and accessibility of entertainment and gaming experiences for consumers.
Climate Action and Green Energy
Innovations, technologies, and solutions that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Eligibility Criteria
Youth innovations and startups creating solutions within the listed focal sectors are eligible.
Food Security and Agriculture
Digital Transformation
Healthcare
Entertainment and Gaming
Climate Action & Green Energy
The innovation should also meet the criteria stipulated below;
