NextGen Space Challenge 2024 Winners Announced
Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa has officially announced the winners of the 2024 NextGen Space Challenge. UK-This key initiative for African space technology is designed to identify the next generation of space technology entrepreneurs in the UK, South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda and reflects Africa’s growing influence in the global space sector.
After a fierce promotional event in early February, the winners were selected:
Climate AI Project – lead Jules Loyalty (Rwanda)the program enhances the Climeode framework, optimizes specific needs in Rwanda while ensuring scalability to other regions.
Tired Kenya – lead Billy Nikaga, Brenda Chepkemoi and Lynne Wonder Kariuki (Kenya)the STEM education program enables students to design and launch Cansat satellites, thus enhancing early interest in space technology.
(Watch the pitch here: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/nextgen-space-challenge-pitching-event/)
Alana Kruger, Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK Business Connect highlights the transformative impact of space technology on industries such as environmental monitoring and food security. Meanwhile, Etim Itiong, CEO of the African Academy of Space Leadership, reiterates the role of challenges in shaping Africa’s future space leaders.
The three best courses won the highest innovation award £1,000.
In addition to entrepreneurship, the challenge has promoted international cooperation in sustainable space technology and has been supported by key partners including Space agencies in the UK, South Africa, Kenya and Rwandathis African Academy of Space Leadership (ASLI)and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The competition welcomes up to four individuals, ages or teams 21–35 or recent graduatesmarks a bold step towards empowering young innovators in the space industry.
