The world is changing fast and its only science and technology that is providing solutions and making lives easier. The need therefore to encourage innovation is never closer to the worlds powers than it is today.

This saw the U.S Department of State come up with the Global innovation through Science and Technology (GIST).

GIST is an initiative that seeks to nurture innovators by providing mentorship, skills and also the much needed financing to enable them tackle economic and development challenges across the world.

The initiative came up with a competition to spur innovation and unleash creativity in line with its goals. The GIST Tech-I competition was formed with the sole purpose of identifying the most creative and unique solutions to world challenges. These would then be funded to help them grow and improve livelihoods

Implemented by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), GiST Tech-I competition has so far had immense impact with many previous winners impacting their communities positively.

GIST Tech-I is accepting applications for the 2015 edition. All applications are reviewed by experts and finalists are selected through a global voting platform. The final 30 individuals will then be flown to Sub-Saharan Africa for the finale at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).

There, they will showcase their ideas and receive intensive training and could win up to $15000 in individual prizes and also receive mini-grants. Innovators also get to meet and network with angel investors and venture capitalists. This is on top of earning 3 months of mentorship.

So if you are 18-40 years old, have an idea or startup that addresses environment, conservation, water, agriculture, energy, ICT or health send in your application.

Interested innovators are required to upload a 90 second video and a 750 word executive summary on the idea or startup via the GIST Tech-I website.

If you want more information visit their website or simply apply here.