An Arab foundation has set 10 February as the opening date for applications in the al-Baz competition on innovation. The contest is targeting Arab youth under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Ghada Mohamed Amer, deputy director at the Arab Science and Technology Foundation, said the application deadline is set for 30 March. The prize, which has now been named after Egyptian Farouk al-Baz, head of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University and an ASTF co-founder, replaces its previously-suggested name, the Arab Nobel Prize.
The foundation says its prize seeks to connect scientific research and technological innovation with the social and economic realities of Egypt and the Arab region.
Applicants can present innovative solutions in many areas, such as water desalination, renewable energy, biotechnology, agriculture and public health, Amer said.
Amer explained that the total value of awards to be given to winners stands at LE1 million, besides the chance to take part in the 10th Arab Business Plans Competition (TBPC). She noted that patents will be registered for the top 10 winners, with investors in their respective fields approached for financing to turn their innovative ideas into marketable products.
Baz, lauding the introduction of the award, described it as an Arab initiative designed to emphasize Arab youths’ capability for inducing positive change, and urged young Arabs to apply for the award.
