The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) is excited to launch the inaugural Innovation Excellence Awards 2023. These awards aims to recognize and reward SMEs with innovative products/ services or utilising innovation in their processes. 

The intervention is part of a framework to promote innovation through a continuous innovation ecosystem that aims at improving Kenya’s Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking, besides driving productivity, economic growth and job creations.

Does your business offer innovative products or services or incorporate innovation into its operational processes?

Click here to  submit your application for the Innovation Excellence Awards 2023.

Your innovative design will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of renowned industry experts from diverse fields.

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner and awards ceremony.

Why participate?

1. Winning an award at the Innovation Excellence Award will greatly enhance your credibility and reputation.
2. The Innovation Excellence Award event offers an outstanding platform to establish connections with industry leaders, decision-makers, and potential collaborators. It's an ideal opportunity to cultivate valuable relationships!
3. A panel of renowned industry experts will provide you with insightful feedback that can help you refine your strategies and products even further.
4. By being nominated or winning the Innovation Excellence Award, your company's visibility will be heightened, opening up possibilities for attracting a larger client base, forming strategic partnerships, and drawing the attention of potential investors.

In addition to these each winner will receive a trophy as well as tangible prizes like:

1. Cash Reward to boost your business
2. Free Publicity; All KEPSA communication platforms and media coverage
3. Free exhibition slots for the best five youth-led innovations.
4. Linkage to other KEPSA SME programs in the following areas; market & finance linkages, skills upscaling, digitization, etc.

Awards Categories

Best overall business innovation award

• Winner - Ksh. 200,000
• 1st Runners Up - Ksh. 100,000
• 2nd Runners Up - Ksh. 50,000

Best Women-led business innovation award

• Winner - Ksh. 150,000
• 1st Runners Up - Ksh. 75,000
• 2nd Runners Up - Ksh. 50,000

Best Youth-led business innovation award

• Winner - Ksh. 150,000
• 1st Runners Up - Ksh. 75,000
• 2nd Runners Up - Ksh. 50,000

Eligibility criteria

1. A business operating in Kenya
2. An enterprise with less than 250 staff and with an annual turnover/income of up to Kshs.100Million
3. High Value created (on growth, efficiency through cost/energy reduction, employment, measurable social impact) because of innovation
4. Strictly 18 – 35 years for the Youth led innovation category
5. 18 – 70 years for the women-led innovation category
6. All participants must be aged 18 years and above
7. Priority sectors; Agriculture, ICT, Healthcare, Retail Trade, Creative and Handmade Manufacturing.

Guidelines

You should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the uniqueness and features of your product/service.
2. Demonstrate apparent need for the product/service.
3. Show impact on jobs created, revenue generated/market size/share created in the market, cost reduction or any other impact to the society through solution.
4. Demonstrate intellectual property protection

Important dates

Deadline for submissions: Extended to 15^th September 2023

Review of entries and jury deliberations: 18^th Sept – 6^th Oct 2023

Public Voting: 9^th Oct – 27^th Oct 2023

Announcement of Winners – TBA

Award Ceremony: 23^rd November 2023

Application procedure

Participation in the Innovation Excellence Awards is free of charge. To apply, please fill out the form provided here https://forms.gle/ST3qGRY8caKA3Wbe7.

In case of any queries, kindly get in touch with Levi Injendi  kepsasme@kepsa.or.ke