The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie is thrilled to announce the AUF international entrepreneurship competition for students in Africa and AUF network. The “60 Seconds to Convince” international entrepreneurship competition aims to foster entrepreneurial spirit within its member institutions by giving young innovators a platform to showcase their ideas and potentially receive the support they need to bring their projects to life.
Objective of the AUF international entrepreneurship competition for students
Launched in 2021, the “60 Seconds to Convince” competition is designed to highlight and nurture entrepreneurial spirit among university students from AUF member institutions. Participants have the chance to present their entrepreneurial project ideas and, if awarded, receive tailored support to realize their projects. This competition presents a significant opportunity for African startups and entrepreneurs to gain visibility and valuable resources.
Prizes and Awards
The competition offers attractive prizes to support the development of promising projects:
- First Prize: €1500
- Second Prize: €1000
- Third Prize: €500
- Public Choice Award: €300
Additionally, the AUF will facilitate connections between the winners and mentors, as well as incubators, to help their projects thrive.
Eligibility and Participation Conditions
The AUF international entrepreneurship competition for students is open to students enrolled for the 2023-2024 academic year in a higher education or research institution that is a member of the AUF. Participants must provide proof of enrollment, such as a student ID or registration certificate. Employees and their children are not eligible to participate.
How to Participate in the AUF international entrepreneurship competition for students
Participants must register for the competition through the online submission form. The required deliverable is a video, no longer than 60 seconds, in which the participant or team presents their project. Only one video per registration form and per participant or project team is allowed. The AUF reserves the right to verify participants’ identities and statuses as students of AUF member institutions.
Submission Guidelines
- Videos must be submitted in French.
- The presenter must be filmed facing the camera.
- Videos must be shot in a single take without editing.
- Videos must be filmed in a horizontal format.
- If presented by a project team, all members must appear on screen.
Participants must ensure that their video content does not infringe on any third-party rights, including intellectual property, privacy, competition, confidentiality, or any other legal rights.
Competition Phases
The competition unfolds in three stages:
- Call for Applications: July 15, 2024, to August 30, 2024.
- Regional Selection: A regional jury will select 10 videos—one from each of the AUF’s regions worldwide—to proceed to the international final.
- Public Voting and Final Selection: From September 11 to September 20, 2024, the public will vote online to determine the best project. The international jury will then select the three winners in September 2024.
The awards ceremony will take place during the 4th Edition of the World Week of Scientific Francophonie in Toulouse, France, in October 2024 (subject to confirmation).
Selection Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance: Compliance with the competition’s conditions.
- Feasibility: Realism and sustainability of the project.
- Originality: Inventiveness and impact on the ecosystem.
- Quality of Presentation: Structured and convincing presentation.
Apply now for AUF international entrepreneurship competition for students:
Clic here : Submit Your Application Here
AUF international entrepreneurship competition for students is a unique opportunity for African startups and university students in Africa to showcase their innovative ideas, secure funding, and receive expert guidance to turn their visions into reality. Don’t miss this exceptional chance to contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and make a lasting impact.
About the AUF
Established in 1961 in Montreal, the AUF is the world’s largest university network, comprising over 1000 member institutions across 120 countries. As a direct and recognized operator of the Francophonie for higher education and research, the AUF plays a vital role in promoting scientific genius within the Francophonie. With a presence on five continents, the AUF is deeply integrated into the educational and academic ecosystems, implementing commitments made by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of countries sharing the French language.
The AUF’s mission is to support higher education and research institutions, fostering a scientifically engaged Francophonie that contributes to the economic, social, and cultural development of societies. It drives innovative projects for a digital scientific Francophonie, enhances the professional integration of young graduates, and promotes entrepreneurship within Francophone higher education institutions.