In the face of Kenya’s challenging economic climate and increasing unemployment rates, it’s difficult for individuals, small businesses, fresh graduates and the unemployed, to remain open to alternative opportunities that can help them realise their dreams.
With approximately 800,000 people entering Kenya’s job market each year, the need for creative thinking and exploration of new avenues becomes even more critical.
One such avenue that holds promise is applying for competitions open to individuals and businesses. Competitions and awards can be a game-changer in this regard. While they are not handouts, they provide individuals, institutions, innovators and creatives with the chance to secure financial support, redefine their products, expand their inventory, and tap into new customer bases.
One remarkable competition to consider is the Design Intelligence Award (DIA).
DIA Award is an internationally recognised academic award that celebrates design and innovation, open to participants from around the globe.
With individual winnings ranging between Ksh1 million to Ksh9 million in prizes within the grand total of ¥5 million RMB fund (equivalent to $728,000 USD), this competition represents a significant opportunity to turn ideas into reality.
Mr Adrian Jankowiak, founder and creative director at Nairobi Design, says the
competition welcomes both designers and non-designers with various categories from fashion, digital economic drivers, protection products, industrial equipments, block chain applications among others.
See >> Queens Team Steps Out To Slay Cyber Criminals
“By remaining open to opportunities and exploring unconventional paths, we can overcome economic hardships and pave the way for a brighter future built on innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience,” Mr Jankowiak says. The deadline for submissions is 30th June, 2023.
Nairobi Design is one of the supporting partners of this competition and shared its
mission of finding, recognizing, and connecting future-shapers from Kenya with the rest of the world while maintaining the competition’s independence. He highlighted success stories like , who won the “What Design Can Do Challenge.”
The Kenyan company focused on climate action through fashion, and received €10,000 (about Ksh1.3 million at current rate) in funding from What Design Can Do and IKEA Foundation. In addition, Rethread Africa is currently undertaking a development program co-created with Impact Hub Amsterdam to ensure their success.
READ >> Nation Media Hires Counsellors Ahead Of Lay-Off
“We also encourage those who don’t necessarily work in design to apply, as they tend to be some of the most interesting projects. The application has only three main questions, what’s your Innovation Point, Demand and Market Analysis and finally Core Technology,” he said.
Mr Jankowiak says winning prestigious awards can bring numerous benefits. Not only does it offer recognition and credibility, but small award-winning businesses and individuals have also witnessed an increase in operating income and sales growth compared to non-winners.
The impact can extend beyond the local level, attracting business opportunities nationally, regionally, and even globally, fostering connections with other countries and continents.
Mr Jankowiak says winning prestigious awards can bring numerous benefits
Nairobi Design community, which welcomes both designers and non-designers alike serves as a hub for inspiration, resource discovery, and global connections, offering a platform to elevate or kickstart design journeys.
“The bottom line is clear, there are viable opportunities available for the youth and
experienced businesses to apply with their innovative ideas. Participating in competitions can yield substantial benefits and open doors to new horizons,” he added. “Remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter. So, embrace the possibilities, unlock your potential, and seize the chance.”
Established in 2015, the Design Intelligence Award (DIA) is an international academic award for design and innovation by the China Academy of Art in partnership with several other organizations. It is a platform for the evaluation, promotion and cooperation of contemporary innovative design and an
innovative accelerator that turns ideas into realities for future development.
