The U.S. Department of State is excited to announce the launch of the 2019 Global Innovation through Science and Technology, Technology Idea (GIST Tech-I) competition. Exact dates and details will be published over the next few weeks on GISTNetwork.org, Facebook and Twitter.

GIST Tech-I is a global pitching competition which seeks to identify and select, train, and encourage innovations by young scientists and great minds all over the world. As part of the GIST initiative, Tech-I works to empower young innovators to build businesses that address economic and development challenges.

This year citizens from 132 countries and emerging economies spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America are eligible to apply with an innovative science and technology idea or startup in any sector.

Applicants are required to explain the science and technology driving their project and describe their business strategy in an online application. They must also provide a 90-second pitch video to showcase their innovation and excite viewers about their project’s potential.

Up to 100 applicants will be selected as semi-finalists who will then have their pitch videos featured online and voted on by the public. These votes will help to select 24 finalists who will receive an all-expense paid trip to Bahrain to pitch their ventures to a global audience at the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC).

During the GEC, these amazing up-and-coming innovators will receive intensive skills training, mentorship, and networking access to global leaders in their fields. Winners of GIST Tech-I will receive seed capital prizes.

The total prize pot will be $36,000 USD; the individual breakdown of prize funds will be announced closer to the Tech-I finals.  All finalists will receive up to three months of mentoring following the finals.

Further information can be found at http://www.gistnetwork.org/GISTTechI2019.  

The Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative is led by the U.S. Department of State, and the GIST Tech-I Competition is implemented by The American Association for the Advancement of Science.