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Ignite: Community Innovation Challenge

call for applications

IGNITE: Community Innovation Challenge

The Ife Institute of Advanced Studies, in collaboration with LÒRI, invites applications for an idea formation program that supports development of innovative ideas for community impact in Africa. This call includes individuals or teams who are at the conceptual or exploratory stage of a prototype, either a physical model, digital tool, service concept, pilot activity, or process.

Date: 24th FEBRUARY – 5th April , 2026

Objective

The objective of this call is to:

  •  generate new, creative, and impactful ideas within our communities
  • support the transition from rough concepts to clearly defined project ideas
  • provide a structured space for ideation, exploration, and early validation
  • support the development of a practical, testable prototype.

Applicants are not expected to have an existing prototype at the time of application. The program is designed to support participants in moving from early-stage ideas to a first, testable version of their concept.

Eligibility

This call is open only to Fellows or intending Fellows of the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS), including:

  • Individuals or teams from IIAS Hubs
  • Individuals or teams (with early-stage ideas)
  • Practitioners, creatives, innovators, and grassroots groups

Program Support

Selected participants will receive support to:
  •  Refine and clarify their core idea
  •  Develop practical, testable prototypes
  •  Learn through experimentation, iteration, and feedback
  •  Prepare their prototype for demonstration or community testing.
Note: Winners are expected to attend the 10th Annual Ife Summer Institute and 1st IIAS Conference, 2026.
Support may include:
  • Mentorship and facilitation
  •  Workshops on ideation and prototyping
  •  Peer learning and collaboration
  • Seed Funding, materials, Technical Support (optional)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

  • A short concept video description (Not more than 5 minutes)
    – A brief explanation of the problem or opportunity being addressed
    –  An initial idea of what a prototype could look like
  •  One-page Statement of Qualification (SOQ) for all applicant(s)
  •  One-page proposed budget.
  •  Two-page CV for each applicant
    (The last three requirements should be submitted as a single Microsoft Word document)

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Clarity – clear and well-defined idea
  • Relevance of the idea
  • Impact – Alignment with community needs
  •  Feasibility – Potential to develop a meaningful prototype
  • Innovation – Creativity and openness to learning
  • Commitment – willingness to fully participate in the challenge

Selection Criteria

By the end of the challenge, participants are expected to have:

  • A clearly articulated idea or concept
  • A basic working prototype
  • Insights from testing and feedback
  • A defined direction for next steps or further development

Timelines

  • Call for Applications Open: February 20, 2026
  • Information Session/Q&A – Friday 6th March 2026
  • Application Deadline : April 5, 2026
  • Selection Announcement: 6th April – 26th April 2026
  • Challenge Implementation: May 1st – June 30th 2026
  • Final Presentation/Demo Day: During the 10th Ife Summer Institute

APPLICATION: CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Location: Institute of Advanced Studies Secretariat, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria 
Inquiries: summerinstituteife.ng@ife-ias.com 

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