Deadline: January 13, 2022.

The Kenyan Drone Business Competition 2022 (KDBC) seeks to nurture creativity and hone entrepreneurial skills among Kenya-based early-stage technology entrepreneurs with an interest in Drones. 

Competitors can apply to be selected as one of 25 Entrepreneurs to participate in a 5-Day virtual boot camp where they will have the opportunity to create and pitch their drone business idea while learning about the drone industry from experienced drone professionals at The Global Air Drone Academy (GADA). GADA is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed drone services company headquartered in Baltimore, USA. Training will also be conducted by Kenya Flying Labs (KFL), a licensed drone company based in Nairobi (KCAA/OPS/2117/ROC/06).

After the virtual bootcamp, judges will select 10 Finalists to be invited to Nairobi to participate in a 2-Day practical training. On day one, finalists will experience hands-on training on drone technology and on day two pitch their drone business idea live to a panel of judges. Three (3) Winners will be selected to win the KDBC 2022 prize.

This event is being planned in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Global Air Drone Academy (GADA), Kenya Flying Labs, and Blue Globe Innovation.

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be between 18 and 35 years old
• Must be citizen and current (as off submission date) resident of Kenya
• If selected as a Top 25 Entrepreneurs, must be able to participate in a 5-DAY Virtual Training (2Hrs per Day)
• If selected as a Top 10 finalist, must be able to participate in a 2-DAY In-Person Training in Nairobi (reasonable transportation, lodging and meals will be covered)
• If selected as a Winner, must be willing to participate in Kenya Flying Lab’s drone business accelerator program

BENEFITS

The Top 3 Winners of the #KenyanDBC will win a scholarship to a KCAA-approved drone training program and business coaching to launch their new business as part of Kenya Flying Lab’s drone business accelerator program which includes access and training on other drone platforms and sensors from Kenya Flying Labs depending on winners final submission and use cases requirements. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be selected please apply online at the address above. Each submission will be evaluated on: innovation, business feasibility, societal economic benefits, and sustainability.

APPLICATION

After the virtual bootcamp, judges will select 10 Finalists to be invited to Nairobi to participate in a 2-Day practical training. On day one, finalists will experience hands-on training on drone technology and on day two pitch their drone business idea live to a panel of judges. Three (3) Winners will be selected to win the KDBC 2022 prize.

OFFICIAL LINK