The German-African Innovation Incentive Award (GAIIA) aims at supporting African scientist’s initiatives to translate research results into innovative solutions that benefit the population in Africa.

The award honours outstanding achievements already made by African researchers and at the same time enables German-African follow-up projects, which further develop research results into technological and social innovations, e.g. products and process.

It enables German research and innovation actors to expand their cooperation with African partners and to gain access to new scientific research and application areas.

The award is endowed with a grant of up to 150,000 euros for a joint two-year research and innovation project. At least half of the grant is to be used by the African partner. If possible, the funded project should lay the foundation for establishing a sustainable innovation structure (e.g. research-based small business) beyond the project results.

Candidates can either be nominated by a representative of a German university or research institution or apply for the funding award themselves. Both partners submit a joint proposal for a collaboration project which is evaluated by expert reviewers. The final selection of the projects and award winners is made by a high-ranking jury consisting of African and German research and innovation experts.

Submissions are only possible following calls for funding by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).