Innovation Competitions and Prizes

“The Olympics for biodiversity” just wrapped up in Brazil. Abhishyant Kidangoor provides an overview. In July, the Amazon rainforest became the testing ground for 6 teams competing for the $10 million Rainforest XPRIZE, aimed at developing innovative solutions to automate biodiversity monitoring. The competition, organized by XPRIZE, brought together biologists, engineers, and AI experts to put their technologies to the test over a 72-hour period. Each team, tasked with collecting and analyzing biodiversity data, produced a comprehensive report on the species they identified using a range of technologies with a focus on affordability, scalability, and collaboration with local communities. The winner will be announced soon. Kidangoor profiles the finalists: 🌳 Limelight Rainforest deployed drones to drop rafts into the canopy. Equipped with cameras, microphones, and light traps, these rafts attracted insects for DNA sampling. Air samples were also taken for eDNA analysis, while a robotic drone collected leaf and water samples. Machine-learning models mapped tree canopies, estimated tree diversity, and measured carbon storage. 🌳 Welcome to the Jungle used biodegradable sensor packages to collect data. Drones with multispectral and lidar cameras mapped forest cover and gathered eDNA samples. Machine-learning models processed this data, identifying species from both images and sounds, with a focus on forest health. 🌳 Brazilian Team divided the forest into 24 clusters, using drones and the Pl@ntNet AI platform to identify tree species. Drones with thermal cameras detected wildlife at night, while canopy sensors recorded insect activity. Water and plankton samples were also collected. 🌳 ETH BiodivX deployed canopy rafts equipped with light traps and sticky tapes, using drones to collect eDNA samples. Aluminum-based devices analyzed the samples, detecting traces of malaria from monkey feces. Machine-learning models identified bird species, insects, and mapped the forest using RGB cameras. 🌳 Providence Plus used their autonomous Deep-Rainforest Operation Platform (DROP) to collect and process sound, images, and eDNA data from canopies and water bodies. Motion sensors enabled real-time photo capture, with AI identification models. Drones collected soil and water samples, which were analyzed for eDNA. 🌳 Map of Life Rapid Assessments focused on a software platform, utilizing autonomous drones to collect images, audio, and eDNA data. The tools, connected with the Map of Life database, enabled autonomous surveys, species identification, and 3D canopy mapping. Real-time analysis and species assessment were conducted through remote collaboration, merging local data with global biodiversity datasets. 📰 At the ‘Biodiversity Olympics,’ scientists work to democratize rainforest tech https://lnkd.in/gnd3Nt2f

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?

I talk to a lot of new founders and creatives who drop $$$$ on conferences hoping to bump into investors, land clients, shake hands and kiss babies. Their heart’s in the right place, but if investors see you blowing early-stage capital on $5K conference passes with no clear ROI, it raises a red flag: “Will this person treat my money like Monopoly cash too?” Here’s a better play, attend “Lobby Con.” That’s right, skip the badge, grab a latte, and park yourself in the host hotel’s lobby or bar for 8 hours a day. That’s where the real game happens. Keynote speakers, power players, and actual dealmakers aren’t at the expo hall, they’re lounging over Negroni’s. Do your homework. Identify 10–20 decision-makers before the event, then slide into their LinkedIn DMs or email inboxes a few weeks out. Try to get on their radar early and set up face-to-face time during the event. Why spend $5K on a conference pass when you can get further with a $20 coffee. Make an impression by hosting a small dinner or cocktail hour. Invite prospects or collaborators to a vibey restaurant and actually have a real convo. Relationships are built over hard drink, and finger food. Be the belle of the ball, not the ghost at the gala. If you’re gonna attend a conference, own it. Try to get on a panel, moderate a session, or find a creative way to get your face on the flyer. Visibility from the stage (or even just the website) changes the energy, suddenly they’re Googling you, not the other way around. Being positioned as a thought leader by the event itself is the ultimate credibility shortcut. And don’t forget: social media is your hype machine. Announce that you're attending on LinkedIn, Bluesky, or Instagram. Tag the event, share insights in real time, and follow up with new connections after the fact. It’s not about who you meet, it’s about who remembers you.

I won $191,000 in funding for Feedcoyote from 6 pitch competitions - Here’s what I learned that might help you prepare and win too. Standing in front of a room, hoping someone believes in your dream can be nerve-wracking. I’ve been there several times. The truth is, winning doesn’t come down to luck. It comes down to preparation and how well you tell your story. The Preparation➡️ ✔️ Before the Pitch (the work behind the scenes): * Know Your Audience: The energy in the room and the type of audience can influence your pitch. Understand the room. What kind of founders or ideas have won before? Align your message. * Research Your Competition: Know who else is pitching and how you’re different. * Understand the Judges: Look up their background. What do they care about - tech, impact, revenue? The Delivery➡️ ✅ During the Pitch (keep it clear and structured): * Start with a strong hook: Grab attention in the first 15 seconds with a bold stat, facts, or powerful story. * Problem: Be clear and relatable - make them feel the pain. * Solution: Show how you're uniquely solving that pain. * Traction: Numbers speak loud. Highlight real results and growth. * Market: Show there’s real money, demand and sustainability behind what you’re building. * Business model: How do you make money, and how will it scale? * Team: Why you are the team to bet on. * The Ask: End confidently. Tell them exactly what you need and what’s next. Remember, the best pitches don’t just share facts - they make people believe. Feel free to DM for more tips or best practices. #Pitch #Competition #Startup #Win #Feedcoyote #Freelancing #Community #Networking #App #Collaboration #Practice

When I started WP Engine, I thought I was pretty good at pitching. I had sold millions of dollars of software at Smart Bear, and I’d helped other companies with their pitches and fundraising. But of course it’s different when someone is trying to tear down 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 idea. But then I got my first “Rude Q&A.” A VC pointed out our GPM was far too low.
Another said our CAC:LTV math sounded fake.
Someone else didn’t believe we could ever be differentiated. I left those meetings angry at first, but then embarrassed that I didn’t have better answers, and then motivated to get the right answers. So I started writing my own rude Q&A: • Why do I even exist when the market already has X, Y, Z? • Why should anyone 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 the numbers I’m showing? • Why will that GPM improve in future; explain in detail. I forced myself to write even unfair, annoying, misinformed questions. But then then answer them--crisply, specifically, defensibly. 
If the answer sucked, the strategy probably did too. I either needed to get a better strategy, or be confident up-front that “Yes, that’s one of our challenges, one of the risks. Every company has risks; that’s one of ours.” This wasn’t just pitch prep. It sharpened 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨: • Messaging got tighter. • Positioning got clearer. • Roadmap got focused. • Confidence was earned. This isn't “embrace the suck” hustle-bro garbage. It's just the reality: You’ll get punched in the mouth.
 Better to swing a heavy bat before stepping to the plate. So if you’re prepping a pitch, refining messaging, or going to market--Write the questions you 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 want to hear. Don’t stop until you have great answers. More motivation and ideas in the article:

Yesterday, 260 young entrepreneurs were recognized at the 2024 YouthConnekt Africa Awards. (and they just secured funding to scale their businesses)... This initiative empowers Rwanda’s youth through financial support, mentorship, and business training. ↳ Prizes ranged from Rwf25 million to Rwf1 million. ↳ Special recognition was given to women entrepreneurs & youth with disabilities, each receiving Rwf5 million. Here are some of the standout winners: ↳ Annet Muhorakeye, founder of Coffee Company, secured Rwf25 million to grow her business at Kisimite Center. ↳ Jean Claude Dufatanye, an electrical engineer, won Rwf20 million for manufacturing a locally made refrigerator. ↳ Shakira Uwineza, founder of Neza Chill, secured Rwf5 million in the Women’s Category. ↳ Aime Pacifique Uwimana received Rwf5 million in the category of people with disabilities. ↳ Merci Ndaruhutse, founder of GEN-Z Comedy Show, won Rwf10 million in Performing Arts. ↳ Ligobert Uwiduhaye, founder of Studio of African Wildlife Art (SAWA), was recognized in the Vision Art category. ↳ In agribusiness, Janvier Nsazimana secured Rwf25 million to invest in packaging & modern equipment. Government leaders encouraged young entrepreneurs to seize opportunities: ↳ Minister of ICT & Innovation, Paula Ingabire, emphasized vision, courage & action: “A window can be looked through, admired, or opened to step into new opportunities.” ↳ She also announced a major policy shift—lowering internet costs within two months to boost digital innovation. ↳ Minister of Youth & Arts, Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, highlighted agriculture & arts as key industries for youth employment. ↳ He also unveiled the Aguka Fund, offering young entrepreneurs loans without collateral at interest rates below 10%. The impact is already visible: ↳ More young innovators gaining funding & mentorship. ↳ Increased focus on agribusiness & the creative industry. ↳ Policies shifting to remove barriers for startups. From emerging ideas to scaling businesses—Rwanda’s young entrepreneurs are shaping the future. 📥 Follow for more insights on youth innovation & business growth.

Each year, the SAP Innovation Awards spotlight pioneers who leverage technology to create measurable economic, environmental, and social value worldwide.   Our 2025 finalists are navigating a new reality: sustainability initiatives must now find their footing amid economic volatility while simultaneously discovering meaningful applications for AI. The most successful are demonstrating how sustainability and digital transformation can be mutually reinforcing paths toward business resilience.   What distinguishes these innovators is their refusal to depend on goodwill or regulatory pressure alone. Instead, they've built a business case for sustainability that stands on its own financial merits, even as budgets tighten and priorities shift. Their approach transforms environmental action from a cost center into a competitive differentiator by directly linking ecological outcomes to financial performance.   🔹 Systems integration: Connecting previously siloed data across operations to reveal hidden efficiency opportunities (one finalist reduced manufacturing waste by 37% through this approach).   🔹 Risk quantification: Using advanced analytics to transform supply chain data into actionable insights, helping identify both vulnerabilities and opportunities for materials diversification.    🔹 Decision intelligence: Embedding sustainability metrics directly into financial planning processes, enabling real-time assessment of both business and environmental impacts of key decisions.   Want to apply these approaches in your organization? I've highlighted specific methodologies and technologies in this detailed analysis of our finalists: https://lnkd.in/epnEu2su   #SAPInnovationAwards #SAPSustainability

Vendorful didn't advance to the #DPWAmsterdam #DEMO23 finals, but I was honored to reach the semi-finals and give a live three-minute (!) pitch. Here's a recording of my final run-through prior to the actual event. I'm sharing it in case it helps other founders (in and out of #procuretech) who are preparing for similar events. My advice: 1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. 3 or 4 minutes flies by if you're winging it, but you can pack in a lot of information content if you plan, and plan, and plan. 2. The first step of your preparation should be to check out Best3Minutes. I have no affiliation, but DPW was kind enough to arrange a virtual training session for all semi-finalists, and I can't overstate how valuable it was. They have a ton of free content on their website and especially on their YouTube channel. (Most impactful advice: Don't start by opening PowerPoint; start with physical Post-It notes and a Sharpie, write down one idea or statistic - no more than 6-10 words - on each note, and when you've got a bunch of those notes start to arrange them into a narrative. Do your slides after you've got the narrative nailed down.) 3. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. What's the number one thing you can do to improve your public speaking? Rehearse. What's the one thing people don't want to do when they have to speak publicly? Rehearse. You show me a speaker who is a "natural", and I will show you someone who has rehearsed every inflection and casual remark to the point where they make a canned speech sound totally spontaneous. 4. Record, record, record. Watching your first few takes is painful. But you get so much out of it. If I ever get some free time (ha) I will do a comparison video of this final practice run vs. the first one I recorded a day earlier. Brutal. 5. Have fun. Or try to, at least. :) A pitch competition is inherently a weird concept. Just roll with the weirdness of it. It's a game and you're playing it, and like any good game the fun is in the journey, not the outcome. I lost this round, but I still had a good time. Good luck! #startups #pitching #pitchcompetition

Winners of the BloombergNEF Pioneers awards tell us a bit about where the investment focus will be in the coming years. -Light Industry (as opposed to heavy industry): AtmosZero: Creates shipping container-sized heat pumps that convert ambient air into industrial steam for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical operations. Circ® : Uses water molecules to separate polyester fibers from polycotton blends, reducing textile waste and the need for new petroleum-based materials. EverDye: Developed bio-based dyes that can be applied to fabrics at room temperature, eliminating the need for heat in the dyeing process. Rondo: Creates "heat batteries" using electricity to heat bricks to temperatures up to 1,500°C that can store and discharge heat for industrial processes. -Energy Storage: Hytzer Energy : Developing solid-state batteries using two types of electrolytes, promising more energy-dense and safer EV batteries. Instagrid: Produces portable battery systems that replace diesel generators at construction sites and movie sets, reducing emissions and noise pollution. -Climate Adaptation: AiDASH: Uses AI to assess satellite imagery for wildfire risks, helping utilities identify and address vegetation hazards near power lines. Beewise: Developed AI-powered robotic beehives that protect bees from harmful weather and monitor their health, reducing colony losses. InnerPlant: Genetically engineers crops to emit fluorescent signals when stressed by insects or fungus, visible via satellite imagery to help farmers respond.