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innovateHER 2024 - Empowering Young Women to build solutions to problems in their community

Welcome to innovateHER 2024, an inspiring initiative hosted by the North-West University Business School. Our programme is crafted to cultivate digital skills essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), boost self-confidence, and create positive female role models. We aim to empower young women (ages 15-25) to pursue careers, enabling them to contribute to the digital economy while addressing societal needs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Upon completion of the 12-week programme, participants will compete with one another for the ultimate prize.

Programme Overview

innovateHER is a comprehensive 12-week online programme that integrates technical training with personal development. Our aim is to provide participants with the skills and mindset necessary to excel in entrepreneurial ventures and contribute to the digital economy. The programme focuses on enhancing problem-solving abilities and fostering innovation.

What You Will Learn

All participants will receive access to our online training platform, peer support group, and interactive sessions for a period of 12 weeks to develop their idea. Training topics will include:

  • Design Thinking for Product Development
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Mobile App Development
  • Financial Literacy
  • Business Modelling
  • Pitching Skills
  • Personal Development

What You Will Gain

By participating in the innovateHER Youth Innovation Competition, you will gain the opportunity to develop your skills in creative and innovative problem-solving, mobile app development, and entrepreneurship through our unique training program. You will also have access to mentorship from leading experts and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.

If your innovative idea catches the attention of our industry judges and is deemed viable, feasible, and unique, you may potentially secure funding to bring your idea to life.

All participants who complete the program will be invited to a hackathon event to implement the Mobile App Development content and a graduation function where the finalists will compete live to determine the ultimate winners. The overall winners will have the opportunity to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime technology tour abroad. Join us in our mission to create a sustainable and equitable world for all and make a difference today!

Competition Dates

  • Entries Open: 1 June 2024
  • Entries Close: 30 June 2024
  • Programme Start: 15 July 2024
  • Programme End: 30 September 2024
  • Final Submissions: 10 October 2024
  • Judging and Announcement of Finalists: 26 October 2024
  • Gala Event and Winners Announcement: 9 November 2024
  • Winners' Trip to Europe: March 2025

Competition Rules

To qualify to compete for the prize entrants need to  adhere to the following rules:

  1. The competition is open to individuals and teams of up to 3 people.
  2. At least one team member must identify as female.
  3. Each individual/team may submit only one idea to the competition.
  4. Minors shall enter with a teacher who is willing to mentor the team during the programme and travel with the winning team as a guardian.
  5. A teacher may enter with more than one team from the same school.
  6. Participants must have consent from their parents/legal guardians to participate in the competition and related activities.
  7. The winners must have a valid passport by 10 January 2024 in order to travel. If the winner(s) do not have a valid passport by that date, the prize will be forfeited.
  8. The NWU will not use or share any ideas or IP without the consent of the entrants.
  9. The decision of the adjudicators is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

How to Participate

  1. Identify a problem in your community that can be solved with a Mobile App.
  2. Summarise the problem, why it should be solved, and which SDG it is related to, as a 3-minute TikTok/Instagram video.
  3. Submit the link to the video using the form provided.
  4. Commit to building a solution to the problem over the 12 weeks.

You can enter either as an individual or a team of up to 3, but at least one of the team members must identify as female. Participants with team members under 18 should have a teacher entering with them who is willing to act as a mentor during the 12 weeks and as a guardian to the winners during the trip abroad. Only one entry per participant will be allowed; however, a teacher may mentor more than one team.

Enter Here

Please submit your entry here.

Contact Us

If you require any additional information, please contact us via email: innovateHER@nwu.ac.za or WhatsApp: +27677900168

We look forward to your participation in innovateHER 2024. Join us on this exciting journey to inspire and empower the next generation of female innovators!

Join innovateHER 2024 and make a difference!