Costech: Call on
Opportunities for Support to Innovation Hubs 2018 -TZS 50,000,000 (Fifty
Million) at The Commission for Science & Technology…
1.0
Introduction
The
Commission for Science & Technology (COSTECH) in collaboration with the
Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF) invites applications from Hubs
including Incubators; Innovation Spaces; Accelerators, and the like to
participate in a development programme for Hubs in Tanzania. This is to support
development of hubs in the country through a competitive call. The aim of the
Call is to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Tanzania through supporting
hubs as centres for nurturing and facilitating the building up of capacity to
innovate amongst researchers, private entrepreneurs, innovators and others.
2.0
Purpose
The
purpose of this Hubs Support Fund is to provide financial support to enable
Hubs bridge some financial gaps in running programmes to support innovations
and entrepreneurship, which could contribute to the social-economic development
of Tanzania. The fund is a limited resource made available for an agreed set of
focused activities with clear deliverables.
3.0
The Context
The
Hubs Support Fund Programme will support hubs to strengthen their
sustainability through a programme of facilitator-led and peer-to-peer learning
and networking for hub managers or founders involved in day-to-day leadership
or
management
of the hubs. The programme will also support participating hubs to develop their
business support, capacity building and advisory services to innovators
and
entrepreneurs. The expected outcome for the programme is a more vibrant
network of stronger hubs across Tanzania
that stimulates increased capacity in innovation ecosystems in the hubs’
locations.
4.0
Commencement Date 31st August, 2018
5.0
Closing Date 30th September, 2018 @ 15:00hrs
6.0
Who can Apply
The
fund will be provided to support hubs from any of the below categories namely:
Incubators,
ii. Innovation Spaces, iii. Accelerators, iv. Living Labs- Technology and
Innovation Support Centers (TISCs)
Co-working
spaces, vi. Fab labs, makerspaces, vii. Hackerspaces, and viii. Other
innovation centers.
7.0
What will be funded?
Targeted
at students or other individuals who are interested in entrepreneurship and
innovation, but need support to achieve necessary skills, networks or business
idea to get started. ii. Targeted at grassroots communities and innovators who
are interested in new ways of self-employment and entrepreneurship but need
support in understanding the fundamentals of problem solving, innovation and
entrepreneurship to get started and to be successful. iii. Events – targeted at
any of the above target groups. These events may include business plan or
business idea competitions, pitching competitions, hackathons, networking and
matchmaking events or other events aiming to create interest and awareness
towards innovation and entrepreneurship, to educate and inspire or to support
linking entrepreneurs, funders, support organizations to each other.
8.0
Assessment Criteria
The
relevance of the proposal to call objectives needs to be conclusively
established. The proposal relevant to call objectives will be evaluated based
on the following criteria:
8.1
Role of the hub
What
are the main activities of your organization?
What
are your main current activities or initiatives?
iii.
Can you quantify some of these elements?
8.2
Viability
Needs
assessment and demand for proposed work ii. Affordability of the solution be to
the targeted end user group iii. Sustainability of the project beyond the
funding period iv. Practicability and how realistic is the innovation.
8.3
Impact
Scientific
appropriateness of deliverable of proposed approaches and technical merit
The
societal impacts aimed to achieve through the project.
iii.
Economic Impact aimed to be achieved through the project
Other
impacts including start-up ventures, jobs, new products and services, future
investment (public and commercial), talent development, regional talent
retention, informal education and engagement, training, urban regeneration,
research and development, new networks, innovative models of organization,
quality of life enhancements and resilience.
How
the project will minimize negative impacts
8.4
Management and operations
The
management and operation of a hub is primarily about the careful selection and
compatibility of tenants and the interaction between the actors and activities
based on a clear understanding of the values of the hub. Effectiveness and
commitment of the management team to the success of the hubs as well as
availability of the team during the implementation period.
8.5
Successfulness
Successful
hubs are embedded in local and economic ecosystems and are sustained by the
respect of participants and audiences. The hub should indicate its acceptance
to the society surrounding it.
8.6
Sustainability
Hubs
need to indicate the potential for its sustainability particularly in
establishing programmes that could guarantee sustainability.
9.0
Grant period:
Up
to 12 months (2018-2019)
10.0
Grant amount per project: Maximum of TZS 50,000,000 (Fifty Million). About 15
successful hubs will be supported.
11.0
Application process
11.1
It is important that ALL applications are submitted through the COSTECH email
address provided by COSTECH.
Completed
application packs must be submitted to COSTECH through this E-mail:
hubsupport2018call @costech.or.tz. NOTE: This is meant for submission of
applications ONLY.
11.2
Application forms can also be downloaded in the COSTECH website:
www.costech.or.tz
11.3
Application packs must include: Fully executed copies of completed application
forms. Incomplete application forms will not be assessed.
All
fields in the Application Form should be completed. Application packs received
after the due date will not be considered.
11.4
The budget should not exceed the amount stipulated in the investment parameters
set out in paragraph 10.0 above.
11.5
Applicants should submit a reference letter from the host institution with
legal entity. For successful applicants, all project funds will be disbursed
through host institution bank account.
12.0
Gender Consideration:
This
is among the affairs for consideration during team composition and
implementation of the project. The proposal must show how it will have an
impact in both men and women, as well as indicate the strategic action for
inclusiveness of the less represented gender.
13.0
Language:
Applications
may be submitted in English Language.
14.0
Further Inquiries:
To
get application forms and further enquiries please use the
below
link: https://goo.gl/forms/kAj0sLNIEPU1aaUH3