In celebrating the 2025 Africa Universities’ Day Celebration

The Association of African Universities (AAU), in collaboration with partners, is pleased to announce the organisation of an Innovation Expo in celebration of this year’s Africa Universities’ Day Celebration — a continental celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and transformative ideas driving Africa’s sustainable development.

We invite universities, innovation hubs, and student-led teams across Africa to submit their innovative projects and solutions for recognition and exhibition during this prestigious event.

Event Date – Friday November 14, 2025

Venue – (1) Online (presentations online)

              (2) In-person display at the Association of African Universities Secretariat, Trinity Road, East Legon, Accra

Innovation Display and Award Categories

Submissions are welcome in the following innovation categories:

• EdTech Innovation – Digital solutions transforming teaching, learning, and research.
• AgriTech Innovation – Smart technologies enhancing food systems, agriculture, and agribusiness.
• HealthTech Innovation – Innovations improving health systems, diagnostics, and wellness.
• GreenTech Innovation – Solutions advancing environmental sustainability, clean energy, and climate resilience.
• Social Innovation – Community-centered innovations addressing social and economic challenges.

Why Participate

• Gain continental and international recognition for your innovation.
• Network with industry leaders, investors, and development partners.
• Access mentoring, funding opportunities, and incubation support.
• Showcase your solution during the Innovation Expo alongside Africa’s most promising innovators.

Submission Deadline: 5th November 2025

How to Apply:

Submit your project description, innovation summary, team details, and supporting materials (images, video, or prototype) through: https://forms.office.com/r/YL7GhR5HMu

The submission should detail the following:

1.Project Title:

2.Team Details: Primary contact information and affiliations for all team members.

3. Innovation Summary: A comprehensive description of your project (maximum 500 words), composed of the following:

1. The Problem & Context (The “Why”): Briefly describe the specific problem or challenge your innovation addresses. 
2. The Innovation & Solution (The “What”): Clearly explain your solution. What is the core idea? How does it work? Remember: Do not disclose confidential, patent-pending, or proprietary technical secrets. Focus on the concept and functionality.
3. The Development Stage & Implementation (The “How”):

What is the current stage of your project (e.g., concept, prototype, pilot testing, marketready)?

• The Impact (The “So What”): 

Expected Impact: Describe the potential effect of your innovation. This could include, but not limited to:

Social Impact: How does it improve lives, communities, or access to essential services, etc?

Economic/Environmental Impact: What are the potential benefits for industry, the economy, or the environment?

Scientific/Technological Impact: How does it advance its field?

• Target Audience/Beneficiaries: Who will benefit from this innovation?  

Eligibility

Open to:

• African universities and research institutions
• Innovation hubs and incubators
• Student or youth-led innovation teams (individuals or groups)

Important Note

To protect your intellectual property, we advise against submitting applications that contain confidential or patent-pending information. Please ensure your entry describes your innovation without disclosing proprietary details

Contact

For inquiries, please contact:

Prof. A.O. Obadina

Email: obadinaw@aau.org

Website: www.aau.org