UK Govt Offers Free Study and Ksh 8.6M to Kenyans: Application Guide

Opportunities for Kenyan Innovators

Kenyan engineers and entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to access fully paid business support, mentorship, and a cash prize of up to Ksh8.6 million (£50,000) through the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. This initiative, supported by the United Kingdom government, is designed to recognize and foster engineering-based innovations that address real-world challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

The program, offered by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is one of four agencies funded by the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Its goal is to promote public understanding of science and engineering while supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.

Since its launch in 2014, the Africa Prize has supported 165 businesses across 22 African countries. Of these, 71% are currently generating revenue, and together they have raised over $39 million in grants and investment. The program aims to celebrate and reward innovative solutions that drive economic development and improve quality of life.

Benefits for Participants

Selected participants will go through an eight-month tailored acceleration program designed to transform promising prototypes into scalable businesses. Up to 16 shortlisted individuals or teams will benefit from:

• Two fully funded residential training weeks, one in the UK and one in a major African city
• Bespoke business training and mentoring
• Technical support and sector-specific engineering expertise
• Strategic communications and international media exposure
• Access to a powerful network of entrepreneurs, investors, and engineering leaders across Africa and the UK

The program culminates in the Africa Prize Showcase Event, where finalists pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges. This event offers significant visibility and potential for further investment.

Prize Funding and Recognition

A total prize pot of £60,000 (Ksh10.3 million) is available for five winners. The overall winner receives £25,000, with three runners-up each receiving £10,000. A “One to Watch” prize of £5,000 is also awarded to an outstanding participant showing great potential.

Even if you don’t win the top prize, there is still funding and long-term business support available. Many past participants have successfully scaled their businesses, created jobs, and attracted further investment.

Eligible Innovations

The program accepts innovations that fall under a broad definition of engineering. These can include:

• Agri-tech
• Biotechnology
• ICT and computer science
• Renewable energy
• Medical devices
• Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering

To be eligible, innovations must:

• Be based in sub-Saharan Africa
• Have a working prototype or minimum viable product
• Be in the early stages of commercialization
• Deliver social and/or environmental benefits
• Be capable of scaling and being replicated

Innovations do not need to be entirely new; they can be a novel application of existing technology or an adaptation for a new market. The focus is on impact and feasibility.

Application Process

The Africa Prize is open to individuals or teams, with the lead applicant needing to be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country. Applicants must be based in Africa (with exceptions for those temporarily overseas for studies) and be at least 18 years old by 23 September 2025.

Industrial researchers and organizations are not eligible, nor are previous Africa Prize alumni or teams with previously submitted innovations. However, alumni of other Academy programs such as LIF (Leaders in Innovation Fellowship) may be considered if they can demonstrate added value from participating in the Africa Prize.

The application process has two stages. Stage One focuses on eligibility, technical viability, and a basic overview of your innovation. It takes about 90 minutes to complete. Stage Two, for longlisted candidates, involves business planning, financials, and market analysis.

Applications are reviewed by technical experts and judges from the Academy’s extensive network. The deadline for applications is 23 September 2025. To apply, visit the official website: https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/about-the-prize/how-to-apply/