In its first year, Savvy Fellows has announced the four finalists and winners of its Savvy Prize 2022 for Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs. The four selected winners, three of them from Afrika, will share the prize money.
Savvy Fellows says it seeks to recognize and support the efforts of those entrepreneurs selected as Fellows that are working "solve some of the world’s most pressing problems through innovative and sustainable ways."
"Out of nearly 3,000 applications from over 120 countries, and a rigorous judging process, 30 semifinalists emerged from 11 countries. These amazing changemakers proceeded to the final round, which included a public voting process and a one-minute pitch video submission of their projects."
The four finalists of the Savvy Prize are:
1st Prize Winner ($1,450): Grace Amuzie (Isrina Schools) from Nigeria
Isrina Schools offers a low-cost educational service solution that enables low-income families to afford their children access to basic quality education through the recycle pay project initiative, which enables these families to afford Isrina Schools inexpensive educational service and learning necessities.
2nd Prize Winner ($1,000): Huu Truong Ngo (goHeo) from Vietnam
With goHeo, kids earn money through chores, set saving goals, spend wisely, and invest. Kids and parents log into the app but have different experiences. Parents set flexible controls and receive real-time alerts, while kids monitor their balances, set goals, and learn how to manage money.
3rd Prize Winner ($550): Catherine Nakayemba (Safe Girl) from Uganda
Safe Girl manufactures and distributes reusable, washable sanitary pads to adolescent girls and women for menstrual protection, to be reused for up to one year. In 2020, Safe Girl tested its market viability in local markets and sold 200 reusable sanitary pads, collecting $300 in revenue within three months.
Product Innovation Prize Winner ($1,450): Tolulope Olukokun (ThinkBikes) from Nigeria
ThinkBikes manufactures local electric road and cargo bicycles to move goods. Due to the high cost of ownership, ThinkBikes leases these bikes for affordable mobility of goods and people in urban and rural areas. This gives flexibility on quality, strength, and cost of procurement.
The debut edition of the Savvy Prize was supported by The Roddenberry Foundation and Because International, which comes with a lot of benefits including cash prizes, product development support, and marketing endeavors.
— By Tefo Mohapi
