The Lagos Urban Innovation Challenge 2020 for Innovators & Entrepreneurs

The world as we know it is rapidly changing and Lagos, projected to become the world’s largest megacity by 2100, already faces significant challenges despite its position as a regional economic hub. These challenges present significant opportunities for entrepreneurs who leverage innovative approaches to build solutions that solve critical issues that impact residents within the city.

The Lagos Urban Innovation Challenge is designed to support the innovators and entrepreneurs who are shaping the Lagos of tomorrow.

What does the future of Lagos look like and how does your solution make the city better for everyone, including those in informal urban slums?

Requirements:

01 — Urban Focus

Your urban solution or startup must operate in or focus on Lagos. Your proposed urban solution could make the city better for the many, not just the few.

02 — Stage and Team

You must be an early stage startup/team with at least a minimum viable product. There is a preference for teams with a gender mix.

03 — Solution

You must be able to demonstrate a clear business model.

01 — Expanded Profile

The Challenge is a great opportunity to build your network, gain access to key decision makers and be recognized by the media.

02 — New Growth

The Challenge can open doors for strategic partnerships to scale your solutions more broadly.

03 — Inspiring Mission

The Challenge is an opportunity to solve critical urban challenges for others in your city.

Benefits

More benefits to be announced in the near future.

Up to 12 semifinalists will:

Receive $10,000 in AWS Activate Credits valid for 2 years

Up to 6 finalists will:

Participate in Utopia’s virtual urban accelerator programme
Receive curated access to equity funding opportunities
Receive curated access to relevant Lagos State government agencies
Be eligible for workspace vouchers from Lagos Innovates
Get access to Utopia’s global network of experts and partners
Get 6 months priority access to Utopia Lagos CITYLAB space at launch
Get access to Utopia Studio in Silicon Valley

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Evaluation Criteria

01 — Critical

Does this solution address a critical problem in Lagos?

02 — Original

Is the urban solution innovative within the city?

03 — Scalable

Can this solution impact one million people in Lagos?

04 — Viable

Can this solution be implemented in Lagos?

05 — Team Capacity

Has the team demonstrated the capacity to build and scale the urban solution?

Timeline:

April 6: Challenge launched and call for applications open

April 6 – May 31: Application phase

June 1 – June 14: Application review phase; semifinalists selected

June 15: Semifinalists notified and interviews scheduled

June 15 – July 5: Interviews conducted and finalists selected

July 6: Winners announced

TBC: Summit and Award Ceremony

Note: While the challenge is designed to run virtually and we do not foresee any major impact of COVID-19 on the dates, there is the possibility of extending the application period to allow innovators respond to the emergence of new trends that might shape the future of cities.