APPLICATIONS officially CLOSEd ON 15 FEBURARY, AT 11:59PM EAST AFRICAN TIME
This competition is designed to showcase and support the innovative ideas and businesses in the drone industry.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
The Kenyan Drone Business Competition 2023 (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 3-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 2023 prize.
This comprehensive training will teach budding entrepreneurs how to relate this new technology to real-world practical solutions, how to create and pitch a business idea, how to safely operate and fly a drone, and the best ways to market their startup in 2023 and beyond.
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 3-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
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By applying to the 2023 Kenyan Drone Business Competition, you must agree to the Terms and Conditions. Please see a link to the Terms and Conditions here.
Selina Musau, winner at the 2022 Kenyan Drone Business Competition talks about her experience in the program and the Drone Business Coaching Program by Global Air University.
professional development
Learn from licensed drone industry experts with years of experience using drone technology for business purposes.
practical training
10 Participants will be selected to receive hands-on training from The Global Air Drone Academy and Kenya Flying Labs in Nairobi.
skills development
As we say, it’s bigger than drones! Learn how drone technology can prepare you for a future in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM) education and careers.
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.
This competition is fully committed to Equal Opportunity policies. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. We especially hope to inspire innovators with alternative experiences: creativity is what we are looking for, and you do not need to have a tech background to participate in this competition! We hope to give participants the opportunity to do something new and a chance to spark curiosity beyond daily interests.
PARTICIPATION
25 entrepreneurs will be selected to attend a 5-Day virtual boot camp. Each entrepreneur will receive training on drone technology, business development, and drone engineering. Participants will be required to pitch their drone business idea to a panel of judges.
VENUE
Part one of the competition will be held virtually via Zoom. 10 Finalists will then be invited to Nairobi for a 3-Day program at a convenient hotel location. Finalists will arrive on Wednesday, 2nd March and depart on Saturday, 5th March.
PRIZES
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.
