In June, we launched #thebotnarchallenge, an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between young people in Europe and Tanzania to find innovative solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in Tanzania.

We asked one question: “How can we improve the health and wellbeing of young people in Tanzania using AI and digital solutions?”

We recieved some truly innovative concepts, from an AI powered smart health assistant, to leveraging data analytics to help mitigate violence against young people.

After a long judging period, our team of experts released the 12 semi-finalists on August 12th. They had the opportunity to recieve coaching from innovation experts and local partners to develop their concept.

On September 14th, our panelists chose the four finalists:

• Yapili: An all-around user-centered approach to health in the form of health advice, digitalisation of medical records and online medical follow up features.
• Voice – Sauti: Geospatial data analysis and data visualisation to mitigate violence against children, girls and young women.
• Vijana Afya: A team on a mission to fight noncommunicable diseases by leveraging new media and digital technology to increase young people’s awareness.
• Dr Elsa: An AI-powered, smart health assistant that aims to improve the national state of health through affordable, inclusive, and high-quality access to health expertise.

Each team then had the opportunity to send two members to the respective conferences, World Summit AI in Amsterdam (Netherlands) or Sahara Sparks 2018 in Dar es salaam (Tanzania). At these events, they were able to mingle with experts and innovators, challenge their concepts and pitch their ideas to a jury!

And the two winning teams were decided…

World Summit AI is the world’s leading and most important summit for the entire AI ecosystems. From applied solutions for enterprise, to cutting edge innovation, to heated discussions on AI ethics, the 2018 World Summit AI tackled the most pressing AI issues for the year and beyond.

An all-around user-centered approach to health in the form of health advice, digitalisation of medical records and online medical follow up features.

Sahara Sparks is the largest innovation and technology entrepreneurship event in Africa. This event was an avenue for discussion around technological trends and the use of technology to impact the community and drive positive change.

It was organized in partnership with AfriLabs, the largest network of innovation spaces and tech hubs across the African continent.

An AI-powered, smart health assistant that aims to improve the national state of health through affordable, inclusive, and high-quality access to health expertise.