The IRD is launching the first Innovation Trophies (10,000 euros).

For this first edition, two trophies will be awarded. They will be presented at EMERGING Valley , an event to be held on November 27 and 28. 

The winners will benefit from:

• a prize of 10,000 euros to finance the actions necessary for the development of their project, 
• a promotional kit,
• and support from professionals for the launch of the project.

as well as the payment of the innovation trophies .

Proposed projects must:

• present an innovative solution based on science,
• respond to sustainability issues in connection with populations in southern countries,
• bring added value to existing solutions,
• have the will to build an interdisciplinary project,
• have the will or have already mobilized socio-economic partners.

All research topics are eligible.

Candidates can submit a project alone or as a team. In this case, only the project leader is involved in the award process.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• have defended their thesis less than five years ago or be in the process of a doctorate and have the agreement of their thesis director,
• carry out a project linked to research conducted by an IRD team (UMR, UMI, JEAI, LMI). This link must be explained in a letter signed by the director of the IRD unit (UMR, UMI) or by the person in charge of the structuring partnership mechanism (JEAI, LMI) concerned, 
• be able to complete the registration procedures and pitch their project in French. 

The prize won by the winner will be paid to the structure concerned for the development of his project.

You can apply until June 18.

Candidates will be nominated in mid-July and invited to follow an initial coaching phase at the beginning of October with IRD specialists in innovation and the promotion of research.

The jury will meet at the end of November to designate two winners who will be invited to present their project and receive their trophy during EMERGING Valley .