Terms and Conditions for the DCA Academy Innovators Challenge

These terms and conditions govern the DCA Academy Innovators Challenge. By participating in the competition, all entrants agree to comply with these terms and conditions.

1. Competition Overview

The DCA Academy Innovators Challenge is a competition organized by DCA Academy, aiming to empower students, professionals, and innovators to propose tech-driven AI and digital solutions addressing challenges in African communities.

Participants are required to submit proposals focused on AI, Digital Marketing, Web Development, or Cybersecurity. The top finalists will advance to a virtual hackathon to further refine their solutions and compete for awards.

2. Eligibility

  • The competition is open to individuals or teams of up to three members.
  • Participants must be between the ages of 18 to 30.
  • Applicants must be residents of any African country.
  • Each participant must prove they are either a student, professional, or active innovator by submitting a valid identification or proof of association with a university, organization, or company.

3. Entry Requirements

  • Entries must focus on using AI, Digital Marketing, Web Development, or Cybersecurity to solve specific African challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, or finance.
  • Proposals must be submitted in English.
  • Submission should include:
    • An essay (400-800 words) outlining the problem and proposing an innovative solution.
    • A description of the expected impact and steps for implementation.
    • Clear technical aspects and broader societal benefits.
  • Entries must be submitted via email to eoi@dotconnectafrica.org with the subject: “Innovators Challenge 2024 Proposal.”
  • Participants may only submit one entry, either individually or as part of a team.

4. Submission Deadline

  • The deadline for entries is 22nd November 2024. Entries received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • No registration fees or purchases are required for participation.

5. Judging Criteria

The proposals will be judged by a panel of experts based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation: How original and creative the idea is in solving a real-world problem.
  • Feasibility: The practicality and technical feasibility of the solution.
  • Impact: The potential of the idea to create a positive, scalable impact on African communities.
  • Technical Merit: How well the proposal leverages AI, digital marketing, web development, or cybersecurity.
  • Clarity: The quality of writing and how well the ideas are communicated.

6. Hackathon for Finalists

  • Finalists will be selected and notified by 25th November 2024.
  • The top 5 finalists will be invited to a virtual hackathon on 29th November 2024, where they will receive mentorship from DCA professionals to develop a prototype or pitch of their solution.
  • Finalists must participate in the hackathon to qualify for final awards.

7. Awards and Prizes

  • 1st Prize: $500 USD.
  • Internship Opportunities: Finalists may be offered internships through the DCA Corporate Bootcamp.
  • Mentorship: Access to mentorship and networking opportunities with industry experts.
  • Presentation Opportunities: Winners will have the chance to present their projects at a DCA-hosted conference or event.

8. Winner Announcement

  • Winners will be announced during the Award Ceremony on 6th December 2024.
  • Winners will be notified via email, and the results will be published on the DCA Digital Academy website.

9. Intellectual Property and Copyright

  • By submitting an entry, participants retain copyright of their work but grant DCA Digital Academy a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish, broadcast, or post the entry on its platforms.
  • DCA reserves the right to edit, adapt, or translate the entry for promotional purposes.

10. Disqualification

  • DCA Digital Academy reserves the right to disqualify any entrant if they breach these terms and conditions or provide false information.
  • Plagiarized submissions will be automatically disqualified.

11. Privacy

  • Personal data provided by participants will only be used for the purposes of this competition.
  • DCA Digital Academy will take reasonable precautions to ensure the privacy of participants.

12. General Terms

  • DCA Digital Academy reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition, including the terms and conditions, without prior notice, in the event of unforeseen circumstances or events beyond its control.
  • DCA Digital Academy’s decision regarding any aspect of the competition is final and binding.

13. Contact for Clarifications

For any questions or clarifications about the competition, participants may contact us at eoi@dotconnectafrica.org.