Introduction
The Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CoEEI), under the Directorate of Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension (D-RICE) invites innovative ideas from students to participate in the Young Innovator Program (YIP). The University organizes this program through the COEEI to assist students with start-up funds to support their ideas. 

Background
The Directorate has promoted entrepreneurial skills among students by imparting hands-on skills and creativity.  The Directorate has decided to come up with a program for developing and supporting creativity among students and the best ideas will be supported.

The Overall Goal of The Competition
The competition aims at supporting students to identify problems in their communities and turn them into viable solutions.

Expected Outcome
The students are expected to develop market-ready solutions that will address problems in their communities. 

The Targeted Participants
All students from the Colleges and Schools at the Main Campus.

Selection Criteria For Choosing The Best Idea

1. At the College/School Level - Colleges and Schools will choose 3 participants with the best ideas from their colleges - Each group can have 1 to 5 participants (group participation is more encouraged).
2. The best 3 ideas from Colleges and Schools will be presented for Pitching to the Directorate of RICE.
3. The best ideas from each College and School will be supported for a trial run/testing and if it has positive results, they will be supported for implementation

Selection Criteria

1. Idea in the areas of study.
2. The problem/gap identification.
3. Existing solution gap.
4. Creativeness of the proposed solution.
5. Social/economic impact of the solution.

Important Dates 

1. Orientation For Writing a Concept For Innovative idea

• 21st January 2025 - School of Law
• 27th January 2025 - College of Education
• 27th January 2025 - School of Mathematics and Computing
• 28th January 2025 - College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• 29th January 2025 - College of Economics and Management
• 31st January 2025 - School of Natural and Applied Sciences

2. Submission of Innovative Idea Concept - College and School Level 

• 21st January -  5th February 2025 - School of Law
• 27th January -  2nd February 2025 - College of Education
• 30th January -  3rd February 2025 - College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• 3rd February - School of Mathematics and Computing
• 3rd - 5th February 2025 - School of Natural and Applied Sciences
• 3rd - 7th February 2025 - College of Economics and Management

3. Presentation of Innovative Idea Concept  - College and School Level 

• 5th February 2025 - College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• 6th February 2025 - School of Law
• 7th February 2025 - College of Education
• 7th February 2025 - School of Natural and Applied Sciences
• 10th February 2025 - School of Mathematics and Computing
• 12th February - College of Economics and Management

4. Presentation of Innovative Idea Concept  - College and School Level 

• 7th February 2025 - School of Law
• 7th - 8th February 2025 - College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• 7th - 10th February 2025 - College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• 8th - 10th February 2025 - School of Natural and Applied Sciences
• 12th February 2025 - School of Mathematics and Computing
• 13th - 15th February - College of Economics and Management

5. Final Pitching of Innovative Idea To RICE

• 14th February 2025