Thematic challenges
Addressing societal challenges through innovation and cooperation between Africa and Europe!
What are Thematic Challenges?
Building on the concept of open innovation challenges, the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) organises Thematic Challenges (TCs) that bring together different types of innovators from Africa and Europe to collaborate on solving a pre-defined problem of societal relevance.
Our first two Thematic Challenges focused on the Green Transition and Public Health. The third will address another priority of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. Tell us which topic would motivate you to join:
About Thematic Challenges
Different societal challenges will be addressed by participants. People from all different backgrounds are encouraged to join: from start-ups, to students, to larger companies and corporates, to policy makers, to anyone else interested in open and collaborative innovation. The programme is an opportunity for collaboration and co-creation for these stakeholders.
approach
Across the project duration of the AEIP, three rounds of Thematic Challenge programming is planned (see more information under timeline). Each Thematic Challenge will address a different topic aligned with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.
For whom is it?
The Thematic Challenges aim to bring together all types stakeholders along the innovation value chain. Whether you’re a start-up trying to launch an innovation, a researcher with new ideas, a policy maker or corporate that wants to foster problem-solving, Thematic Challenges aim to foster an inclusive innovation ecosystem. We particularly encourage women and youth to express their interest!
Most important is your commitment to innovation and partnerships!
Why join?
- You can address key societal challenges – whether climate change, public health outbreaks, digitalisation – through innovation and international cooperation!
- Increase your network and connections in the Africa-Europe R&I ecosystem – widen perspectives, learn from each other, and potentially find and create new opportunities for each other!
- Embed yourself into the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform and find further opportunities such as Communities of Practise, capacity building opportunities, events, and more, to drive innovation forward!
- Access support and networks to access more funding opportunities to scale up your solution!
- Selected participating teams who work on innovative solutions will also be invited and sponsored to attend the next AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in 2026!
- Promote your entity, whether start up, university, advocacy group, company, etc.
Current Thematic Challenge
AI in Science
The third Thematic Challenge focuses on AI in Science: how artificial intelligence is changing the way research is conducted and how it can support new scientific methods, improve access to knowledge and strengthen collaboration. At the same time, it raises important questions around data, research integrity, accessibility and the responsible use of AI across different contexts. The challenge invites participants from Africa and Europe to explore these opportunities and questions together.
The Expression of Interests (EOIs) are currently open until January 15, 2027!
Previous Thematic Challenges
Green Transition
The first challenge focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy and sustainable agri-food systems.
Public Health
The second challenge focused on improving equitable access to health technologies, strengthening health systems and local production capacities, advancing digital and AI-enabled health solutions, and improving health security and preparedness.
AI in Science
The current and final Thematic Challenge will be aligned with the AI in Science, exploring how Ai is changing the way research is conducted.
How does it work?
A call will be launched for interested participants to join the Thematic Challenges. The AEIP team will pair or group these participants together ensuring complementary and relevance of the partners across stakeholder groups and regions.
These groups will work together on a pre-defined problem statement, to which a market-oriented innovative solution needs to be developed.
Through a process of brainstorming and ideation, the groups will propose an innovative solution which will be assessed on its feasibility and scalability.
Winning teams of the first two Thematic Challenges were invited to the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Africa in November 2026.
Timeline of the second Thematic Challenge
Nov 2026 – Jan 2027:
- Launch of TC on AI in Science (deadline 15 Jan 2027)
Feb 2027:
- Participant selection and pairing
2. Onboarding call
3. Innovation solutions are being prepared
Mar 2027:
- Submission of innovative solutions
- Winner announcenment
- Preparation for travel to June event
Thematic Challenge on Public Health
Winning matches & innovative solutions
PROPOSED INNOVATION
AI-enabled community malaria surveillance and early-warning system
An AI-enabled mobile voice reporting system with a climate-informed malaria early-warning tool for hard-to-reach communities. It links community reporting and local ecological knowledge with epidemiological and climate data to detect malaria risks earlier and trigger faster response, with planned integration into DHIS2.
PROPOSED INNOVATION
TRAC – AI-assisted trauma intelligence platform
An AI-assisted trauma intelligence platform that converts routine emergency-care documentation into structured, clinician-verified data. It aims to improve referrals, care coordination, service planning and trauma surveillance while identifying gaps and inequalities in access to care.
PROPOSED INNOVATION
Interoperable digital pharmaceutical supply-chain ecosystem
The solution connects existing digital platforms into an interoperable pharmaceutical ecosystem linking suppliers, distributors, pharmacies, health facilities, regulators and patients. It combines procurement, inventory management, financing, logistics, supplier verification and traceability to improve access to quality-assured medicines and strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.
Thematic Challenge on the Green Transition
Winning matches & innovative solutions
Zambia · Youth-led cooperative / organisation
Entrepreneurship, leadership development, skills training, climate action, and youth empowerment in education and agriculture.
Belgium · Social business / SME
Co-learning and co-creation for food systems change, with adaptive learning, systems approaches and innovation bundling.
PROPOSED INNOVATION
Co-learning hub for youth-driven green transitions
A co-learning-in-action hub that supports youth, especially young women, to become green entrepreneurs and leaders in food-system transitions. It combines learning profiles, two-way mentorships and practical co-learning circles to help youth initiatives develop into sustainable green businesses.
Uganda · Civil society
Community mobilisation, youth and women groups, recycling networks and local stakeholder engagement in Arua City.
Spain · Start-up / SME
Digital fabrication, 3D printing, material innovation and sustainable construction applications.
PROPOSED INNOVATION
Circular Arua — from plastic waste to value
The solution transforms plastic waste from Arua into market-ready products, starting with recycled-plastic furniture such as desks, chairs and small tables for local institutions. It combines local waste collection, green entrepreneurship, 3D printing and digital fabrication to develop future construction materials while creating jobs for youth and women in refugee-hosting communities.
Rwanda · Business support organisation
Community mobilisation, youth and women groups, recycling networks and local stakeholder engagement in Arua City.
France · Business support organisation
Impact structuring, monitoring and evaluation, and capital-readiness support for women-led climate and social enterprises.
PROPOSED INNOVATION
Digitally connected circular agritech production system
A digitally connected circular agritech system that collects local organic waste and turns it into affordable bio-based agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers. It uses modular production, smart waste collection, cooperative distribution and a digital platform, with women leading key roles across the value chain in displacement-affected communities.
Questions?
Reach out to [email protected]!