Two Ugandan innovators, Vivian Arinaitwe and Nura Izath, have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Their groundbreaking solutions—Neo Nest and Autothermo—are among 16 innovations from seven African countries competing for a share of the £60,000 prize fund.
Organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Africa Prize is the continent’s largest award dedicated to fostering engineering innovation.
This year’s shortlist, drawn from a record 30 applicant countries, highlights transformative solutions addressing critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Uganda’s Shortlisted Innovations
Neo Nest by Vivian Arinaitwe
- A neonatal warming and monitoring device that relays real-time health data of newborns to medical professionals.
- Designed to prevent neonatal deaths, especially in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
Autothermo by Nura Izath
- A bracelet-like device worn by newborns to monitor temperature, fever, and respiratory issues.
- Uses an intuitive emoji system to transmit real-time data to caregivers, ensuring timely interventions.
These innovations underscore Uganda’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge engineering solutions that address local and global challenges.
Why This Matters
The Africa Prize has a proven track record of transforming lives. Since its launch in 2014, it has supported 149 businesses across 22 African countries, creating over 28,000 jobs and benefiting more than 10 million people.
Neo Hutiri, the 2019 Africa Prize winner, attested to the program’s impact: “Being part of the Africa Prize was a game-changer for me. Today, my innovation, Pelebox, is in over 100 healthcare facilities across Southern Africa.”
What’s Next for the Shortlisted Innovators?
The 16 shortlisted candidates will undergo an eight-month training program covering business skills, financial management, and market analysis.
They will also receive expert mentoring and access to a network of engineers and business leaders across the UK and Africa.
In October 2025, four finalists will be selected to pitch their innovations at the final event in Senegal.
The winner will receive £25,000, while three runners-up will each get £10,000. An additional £5,000 will be awarded to the most impactful pitch, as voted by the audience.
A Focus on Critical Priorities
This year’s shortlist reflects a strong focus on neonatal healthcare, food security, and upcycling—themes that align with Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Rebecca Enonchong, CEO of AppsTech and Africa Prize judge, praised the innovators: “Their solutions showcase the power of local innovation, adapting existing technologies to address unique regional needs.”
How to Apply for the 2026 Africa Prize
Applications for the next cycle of the Africa Prize will open in early July 2025 and close in mid-September. For the first time, the program will use a two-stage application process to streamline submissions.
