Call for Participation in the TeProD Innovation Challenge 2026

Call for Participation in the TeProD Innovation Challenge 2026

The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) invites undergraduate students to participate in the TeProD Innovation Challenge 2026, an exciting competition under the Teacher Professional Development for Twin Transition (TeProD) Project, co-funded by the European Union.

The Innovation Challenge forms part of the TeProD Project's broader mission to strengthen the capacity of teachers and students in digital and green transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa. It provides an opportunity for students to develop innovative solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies and other emerging technologies to address real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development.

The 2026 edition of the challenge is themed:

Twin Transition: Innovate with AI and Green Technologies to Transform Our Economy

The competition seeks to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, technological innovation and problem-solving while promoting the principles of the twin transition through practical, technology-driven solutions.

Areas of Innovation

Participants are expected to develop innovative solutions that utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies or other emerging technologies to solve existing or emerging societal challenges.

Innovations may include:

  • AI-powered solutions
  • Digital platforms or web applications
  • Software or mobile applications
  • Technology prototypes or digital artefacts
  • Process innovations or digital services
  • Any other innovative solution demonstrating practical impact

Eligibility

The competition is open exclusively to undergraduate students of the University of Education, Winneba in:

  • Level 100
  • Level 200
  • Level 300
  • Level 400

Students from all academic programmes are encouraged to participate.

Competition Structure

Phase 1: Team Formation and Registration

Participation is strictly team-based.

Each team must:

  • consist of exactly six (6) members
  • include at least two female or two male members to promote gender balance and inclusiveness
  • appoint a Team Leader, who will be responsible for registration and communication on behalf of the team

Registration Deadline: 15 July 2026

Registration Link:
https://forms.gle/qviVMGoYoqadhrpg9

Phase 2: Submission of Innovation Abstract

Registered teams will be required to submit a 250-word abstract outlining their proposed innovation.

The abstract should clearly describe:

  • the problem being addressed
  • the proposed innovation
  • how AI or digital technology is applied
  • the expected impact and intended beneficiaries

Submission Deadline: 25 July 2026

Registered teams will receive a dedicated abstract submission link via the email address and telephone number provided during registration.

Phase 3: Abstract Review and Selection

Submitted abstracts will be assessed based on:

  • innovation and originality
  • relevance to the Twin Transition agenda
  • feasibility
  • potential societal impact
  • effective application of AI or digital technologies

Successful teams will be notified on 30 July 2026.

Phase 4: Innovation Challenge and Final Pitch

Shortlisted teams will proceed to the final stage, where they will develop and present their innovations before a panel of experts.

The final Innovation Challenge is scheduled to take place between 1 and 7 September 2026. Details of the venue and specific dates will be communicated to shortlisted teams.

Awards and Recognition

The competition will recognise two outstanding teams.

The winning teams will receive the opportunity to participate in a fully funded one-week international innovation and collaboration visit to either Finland or Slovakia in 2027, where they will engage in Twin Transition-related activities with international project partners.

The TeProD Project will fully sponsor travel, accommodation and all related expenses.

Winning teams will also receive:

  • Certificates of Excellence
  • International networking opportunities
  • Mentorship and innovation support
  • Recognition at University and TeProD Project events

Further Information

For enquiries and additional information, interested students may contact:

Students are also encouraged to follow the TeProD Project for updates and announcements:

UEW undergraduate students with innovative ideas are encouraged to seize this opportunity to collaborate, develop impactful solutions, gain international exposure and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and digitally empowered future.

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