IEEE WIE Ghana Innovation Challenge 2026

About the Challenge

The IEEE WIE Ghana Innovation Challenge is an initiative by IEEE Women in Engineering Ghana and Sankofa Girls in Science Foundation aimed at empowering young women in STEM to design, pitch, and prototype innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Through this challenge, participants will showcase their creativity, technical thinking, and problem-solving abilities with the opportunity to win a laptop to support their academic and innovation journey.

Challenge Theme

“Engineering Solutions for Real-World Impact”

Participants are expected to identify a problem in their community (e.g., energy, education, health, environment) and propose a technology-driven solution.

Eligibility

  • Female students in Ghana
  • Undergraduate level
  • Interest in STEM, innovation, or problem-solving
  • Individual participation only
  • Must attend all events during the ILS summit

What to Submit

1. Slide Deck (5–8 slides)

Your slides should clearly cover:

  • Problem Statement
  • Proposed Solution
  • How it Works
  • Target Users
  • Expected Impact
  • Basic Business Model (how it can sustain or scale)

2. Lo-fi Prototype

A simple representation of your idea:

  • Sketches, diagrams, or mockups
  • Basic circuit design or simulation (if applicable)
  • Photos of any physical prototype (if applicable)

PS: No advanced tools required — clarity matters more than complexity.

3. Pitch Video (2–3 minutes)

Explain:

  • The problem
  • Your solution
  • Why it matters

Competition Structure

Round 1: Open Submission (2–3 weeks)

  • All participants submit:
    • Slide deck (PDF)
    • Pitch video
    • Prototype images

Round 2: Finalists Selection

  • Top 5–10 participants shortlisted
  • Invited to present at a live pitch session

Final Round

  • Finalists pitch to a panel of judges
  • Winner selected based on total performance

Judging Criteria

Each category scored over 10:

  • 💡 Innovation & Creativity
  • 🎯 Problem Relevance
  • ⚙️ Feasibility
  • 📊 Clarity of Presentation
  • 🌍 Impact Potential
  • 💼 Basic Business Understanding

Prize

  • 🥇 1 Winner: Laptop Award
  • 🌟 Feature on IEEE WIE Ghana platforms
  • 🤝 Opportunity for mentorship and visibility

How to Apply

Participants must submit all materials via:

  • Application Link below

Submission Requirements:

  • Slides in PDF format
  • Video link (Google Drive/YouTube)
  • Prototype images