Innovate with CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes) - Reuse and Recycle ChallengeCopy Link

• Solutions will be deployed in Kenya and need to be usable under local conditions
• Solution deployable within 3 month for test trials, however a solution for an innovative concept for later valuation will be considered
• Ideally, the solution is scalable and usable for other processes, transferable to other environments and operating conditions.

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to the WEEE Centre. The package may also include:

• Business collaboration with WEEE Centre (option of joint business venture, publication of solutions)
• Access to facilities and test the solution at the trial site in Utawala
• Technical support
• Networking opportunity (via WEEE Centre) and knowledge exchange
• Support in the development of a prototype or pilot.
• Support from Innovate UK KTN (e.g. pitch training and mentoring)
• Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK KTN GAA events
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)
• Support if any innovation or similar competitions are relevant

The selected solution provider(s) will:

Receive GBP £25,000 seed funding to work on the specific challenge. Funding will be received in instalments, subject to a specific Milestones (e.g. project plan, mid-project report and final report)

• The solution will be applied in Kenya and needs to be usable under the local conditions. 
• Grid Power is available on side
• Single phase: 240 Voltage & 50Hz
• Tri phase: 415 Voltage & 50Hz
• Voltage and frequency for single phase and tri-phase electric power system in Kenya:
• CRTs contain toxic elements and need to be handled accordingly, following health and safety rules. Personal Protective Equipment is required (e.g. gloves, goggles, suits, face masks)

• Launch of the Competition: 8th December 2021
• Deadline for applications: 28th January 2022
• Selection and notification of finalists: 14th of Feb 2022
• Date of Pitch day: w/c 7th March 2022
• Solution deployable within 3 months for test trials, however a solution for an innovative concept for later valuation will be considered

It is estimated that in Kenya there will be 40,000 units to be processed per year for the next 5 years. Similar issues affect all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and it is anticipated that a solution to the Kenyan situation will be applicable in other countries.

The solution must not replicate the existing technology (CRT cutter). WEEE Centre operates two cutters however they are already approaching replacement and would not cope with the anticipated increase in volume of CRTs to be processed following forthcoming changes to regulations.

Entrants to this competition must be:

• Established businesses, start-ups, SMEs, individual entrepreneurs, or academics.
• Collaborative solutions (Business to Business B2B and B2R&D) are valid applications. If collaborative solutions are being tabled a single lead organisation needs to register the application.  This organisation can be either an industrial or academic partner.
• Priority is given to solution providers based in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa. However, innovative solutions from other countries will be considered. 

Applications will be assessed on:

• Ability to launch project quickly/ ease of implementation
• Maturity of project/solution
• Development potential
• Relevance to the topic
• Innovative nature of the subject
• Coherence of the proposed business model
• Feasibility/ economic viability
• Suitability for the Kenyan Market  

• The existing Intellectual Property (IP) associated with a potential solution will remain with the solution provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the solution provider(s) and WEEE Centre.

• Any commercial deployment of transferred or newly developed solutions through licensing, joint venture, partnership or direct investment will be subject to the commercial agreement between the solution provider(s) and WEEE Centre.

• If necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the solution provider(s) and WEEE Centre (this would take place after the selection of the company, and it is suggested that details of IP are not disclosed.

• Innovate UK and InnovateUK KTN will not take any share of IP ownership or enter into commercial ventures through the IX programme.