Over 200 African students, representing 21 countries, have already signed up on the Schneider Electric Go Green in the City global business case challenge that aims to support innovative energy solutions for cities around globally.
The 217 African students come from Nigeria (83 applications), Algeria (29 applications), Morocco (23 applications), Ghana (18 applications), South Africa (17 applications), and Egypt (12 applications).
More engineering and business students have until 15 February 2014 to apply to be among the 100 best teams that will be short-listed on 28 February 2014. After shortlist, the teams will have one month to work with a mentor from Schneider Electric to work on their ideas. The top 12 teams will then be invited to Paris in June 2014 to take part in the final and the winning team will be taken to various Schneider Electric sites across the world and then get permanent positions within the Group.
According to Mohammed Saad, President of Schneider Electric in Africa, “The young generation in Africa is increasingly aware of the mounting electricity and energy needs which go hand in hand with social progress and environmental protection. This growing interest by African students is key for Schneider Electric. The challenge lies not only in producing more electricity, but also in generating smart energy so as to enable intelligent growth in Africa.”
Go Green in the City 2014 is consolidating its reputation as the leading global challenge for green energies aimed at students from Africa and across the globe. To date, more than 1,744 applications representing over 81 different nationalities have been received.
The students in Africa and from across the globe have until 15 February 2014 to sign up for the challenge in teams of two, with at least one female member by submitting a business plan of their viable energy management solution for either residential, university, commercial, water and hospitals.
There is an online questionnaire for those that need need expert tips for their business case.