OSCARS Olympiads 2023 Report

"Empowering Innovation, Igniting Entrepreneurship, and Building Africa's Future."

Executive Summary

The OSCARS Olympiads 2023, hosted during the Kenya Innovation Week Commonwealth Edition in Nairobi, served as a groundbreaking platform for African youth to showcase their entrepreneurial prowess. In partnership with Startup Africa and Dala Africa, this inaugural event aimed to foster an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship through the OSCARS framework, focusing on Opportunity, Skills, Creativity, Attitude, Resources, and Support.

Empowering the Youth: Boot Camp and Workshops

A pivotal aspect of the OSCARS Olympiads was the immersive 2-day boot camp at the Edge Convention Centre. This provided participants with a deep dive into the OSCARS framework, equipping them with the essential skills and mindset for entrepreneurship. Workshops, such as "Fostering Students-led Innovation through Schools" and "Cultivate Your Creative Edge," facilitated meaningful discussions on unleashing creativity and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.

Innovative Sessions and Fireside Chats

The Olympiads featured a series of partner sessions and fireside chats, covering diverse topics from financing avenues to unlocking student potential across the Commonwealth. These sessions not only provided valuable insights but also encouraged collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.

Pitch Presentations and Competition

The heart of the Olympiads was the compelling pitch presentations on November 30, where teams showcased their innovative projects. Noteworthy projects included Team #Togo's WILCO project, Nigeria's Gas/Smoke Sensing Technology, and Kenya's Waste to Gold Home Made Respirator. The pitch competition demonstrated the depth of creativity and problem-solving skills among the participating teams.

Celebrating Success: Gala Dinner & Awards

The Gala Dinner & Awards ceremony was a culmination of the Olympiads, recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements. Team #Togo emerged as the top winner in the high school category, showcasing the incredible potential of young minds. Nigeria and Kenya secured runner-up positions, highlighting the impactful contributions of their projects to safety and environmental sustainability.

TVETs and University Categories

The Olympiads also celebrated innovation in TVET and university categories. Kenya's AgriTech project in the TVET category exemplified sustainability and economic contributions to agriculture. Tanzania, Benin, Morocco, and Cameroon showcased groundbreaking projects, reflecting the diverse and transformative power of African innovation.

Conclusion

The OSCARS Olympiads 2023 stands as a beacon for African youth entrepreneurship, providing a platform for collaboration, learning, and inspiration. As the continent continues its journey toward economic empowerment, events like these play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders. The success stories and groundbreaking projects presented at the Olympiads underscore the potential for Africa to lead the way in global innovation.

The legacy of the OSCARS Olympiads will undoubtedly inspire future generations to dream big, innovate boldly, and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the African continent.