NEF Energy Pitch Challenge 2024 – Win Up to 3.5 Million Naira | Student Innovators

The NEF Tertiary Institutions Energy Pitch Challenge (TIEC) 2024 is now open for applications. This prestigious competition is dedicated to fostering student-led clean energy innovations within higher education institutions across Nigeria. The TIEC aims to not only promote awareness and investment in clean energy solutions but also to showcase the innovative capabilities of Nigeria’s youth in addressing energy challenges through sustainable approaches.

Understanding the TIEC 2024

Organised by the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) and sponsored by All On, an impact investment firm, the TIEC 2024 represents a critical platform for university students to engage directly with the energy sector’s challenges and opportunities. This year’s challenge will culminate in a high-stakes pitch event where shortlisted teams will present their ideas live, either in-person or via a hybrid format, at the 9th Nigeria Energy Forum at the Marcellina Centre, adjacent to the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Key Themes for 2024

The focus for this year revolves around several impactful areas:

• Powering Agribusiness
• Energizing Healthcare
• Local Manufacturing
• Cleaner Production

These themes highlight the broad applications of energy innovations in critical sectors of Nigerian society and the economy.

Prizes and Benefits

Winning teams can look forward to a share of 3.5 million Naira in grants, aimed at supporting the piloting or upscaling of their project prototypes. The prize distribution is as follows:

• First Prize: 1.5 Million Naira
• Second Prize: 1.1 Million Naira
• Third Prize: 0.9 Million Naira

Additionally, each shortlisted team will receive complimentary registration, hotel accommodation, and travel/logistics support to participate fully in the NEF2024, including technical sessions, networking opportunities, and capacity-building workshops. The Live Pitch Finals are scheduled for Tuesday, 9 July 2024, in Lagos.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the TIEC, teams must:

• Consist of undergraduate or master’s students registered at tertiary institutions in Nigeria, such as universities, polytechnics, technical colleges, and other degree-awarding institutions.
• Encourage cross-departmental collaboration within their institution to foster innovation.
• Be mentored by a faculty or institutional staff member. Participation from student chapters of professional institutions like IEEE, NiMechE, NSE, etc., is also encouraged.
• Implement gender equity/balance in team composition throughout the project lifecycle.

Application Process

The application process is structured in three stages:

1. Stage 1: Submit a Pitch Deck (maximum of 7 slides) outlining the idea, problem statement, innovation potential, and impact.
2. Stage 2: Shortlisted entries will present a Poster illustrating their concept, technical design, delivery plan, and cost/benefit analysis at NEF2024.
3. Stage 3: Finalists will submit a 90-second video pitch summarising their innovation.

To apply for the TIEC 2024, please click here.

For more detailed information about the challenge and how you can make the most of this opportunity, visit the NEF TIEC official page.

Takeaway

If you’re a student in Nigeria with a passion for sustainable development and innovation, the TIEC 2024 offers a unique opportunity to showcase your ideas, develop your skills, and potentially transform the energy landscape. Apply today and be a part of crafting the future of energy in Nigeria.