Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa recently announced the winners of the 2024 NextGen Space Challenge, a key initiative of the UK-Africa Space Technology for Sustainability Global Innovation Network. This competition aimed to identify the next generation of space technology entrepreneurs in the UK, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda, highlighting Africa’s growing influence in the global space sector.
After a rigorous pitching event in February, the following winners were selected:
- Climate AI Project – Led by Jules Udahemuka from Rwanda, this project enhances the ClimeODE framework, tailored for Rwanda’s specific needs with scalability to other regions.
- CanSat Kenya – Led by Billy Nyaga, Brenda Chepkemoi, and Lynne Wonder Kariuki from Kenya, this STEM education program allows students to design and launch CanSat satellites, sparking early interest in space technology.
Alana Kruger, Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK Business Connect, emphasized the significant impact of space technology on industries like environmental monitoring and food security. Etim Offiong, CEO of the African Space Leadership Institute, highlighted the challenge’s role in shaping Africa’s future space leaders.
The top three pitches received innovation awards of up to £1,000. The challenge promotes international collaboration in sustainable space technology, with support from key partners such as the UK, South African, Kenyan, and Rwandan Space Agencies, the African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI), and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
This competition is open to individuals or teams of up to four, aged 21–35 or recent graduates, aiming to empower young innovators in the space industry.
For more information and to watch the pitches, visit the official website: NextGen Space Challenge Pitching Event.
