[9th August, 2021 - Accra, Ghana] -- Today, the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security and Africa Programme (GMES and AFRICA)  officially launched the GMES And Africa Incubation Challenge. This is an innovative initiative co-funded by the African Union Commission and the European Commission led by the Regional Marine Centre at the University of Ghana.

The GMES and Africa Incubation Challenge; a partnership with Cloudport Limited, Wazihub and HUBiquitous is a  competition that targets teams/individuals who have a keen interest in building sustainable solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT) and Big Data that will impact the marine and coastal spaces. The Challenge is directed at developing a positive innovation culture in the maritime domain as well as building  partnerships with innovative startups and individual enthusiasts.
The challenge is open to all; from any African country. Applying teams/individuals can focus their solutions on the following domains in the industry as well as any other marine/coastal related domain that may not be listed below:

1. Solutions for Big Data in Ocean Observation

   1.  Data storage 

   2. Cloud storage and computing

2. Solutions for Biodiversity and Conservation

   1. Curbing trade of endangered species

   2. Policing and surveillance of protected areas, Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA), conservation areas (boundaries/flora/fauna)

   3. Fish/Shell fish identification

   4. Algae (micro and macro) identification

   5. Avifauna diversity and abundance assessment

   6. Marine fish or mammals behaviour studies using acoustics

   7. Turtle watch with night vision cameras

3. Solutions for Insitu Environmental Measurements

   1. Physical parameter measurements for ecological studies and monitoring mining activities in rivers etc

4. Solutions for Marine Pollution Monitoring

   1. Marine litter detection

   2. Sediment load in coastal systems and small water bodies

   3. Ballast water and invasive species

5. Solutions for Aquaculture Development

   1. Water quality assessment

   2. Video monitoring of fish activity/health

   3. Automatic fish feeders

   4. Water level monitoring

   5. Automatic aerators

6. Solutions for Fisheries Management and Small Vessel Monitoring

   1. Trip metrics and duration of fishing

   2. Areas fished, location monitoring

   3. Shallow water insitu ocean parameter measurement

   4. Seafood traceability and fish catch tracking

   5. Electronic estimation of fish catch

   6. Detecting light fishing 

7. Solutions for Safe Inland Water Transport and Navigation

   1. Tracking and geofence alerts for lake and river navigation

8. Solutions for Coastal Vegetation and Biodiversity Assessment

   1. Mangrove and other coastal vegetation monitoring

   2. Avifauna and game monitoring

9.  Solutions for Safety At Sea

   1. Disseminating ocean state information

   2. Body tracking devices for fishermen

The challenge will run from 9th August 2021 till 5th November 2021 through different stages which includes:

• The Application and Selection period;

• Virtual Training Stage;

• Bootcamp Stage (In-person); and 

• An Awards ceremony

The winning teams will earn cash prizes; 

• 1st place - $ 5000

• 2nd place - $ 4000

• 3rd place - $ 3000

Additionally, products developed by the winning team will be showcased at the continental level under the auspices of the African Union Commission.

The partners who will be responsible for the successful implementation of the GMES and Africa Innovation Challenge are as follows: Global Monitoring for Environment and Security & Africa, University of Ghana (GMES), CLOUDPORT, Regional Marine Centre, WAZIUP, HUBiquitous.

For more information about the innovation challenge, reach us via email; innovation@gmesafrica.org