InnovateHER 2025 - Empowering Young Women to Build Solutions for a Better Future

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Welcome to InnovateHER 2025, a transformative initiative hosted by the North-West University Faculty of Health Sciences. This programme is designed to empower young women (ages 15-25) by developing their digital, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills, equipping them to tackle real-world challenges affecting women's health and well-being. By combining technical training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial guidance, InnovateHER fosters innovation and leadership among young women who aspire to make a difference.

Upon completion of the 12-week programme, participants will compete for the ultimate prize in a live finale event on South African Women’s Day (9 August 2025).

Programme Overview

InnovateHER 2025 is a 12-week hybrid programme that integrates technical training, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Participants will gain the skills and mindset necessary to launch impactful digital solutions that contribute to both the digital economy and the health and wellness sectors.

What You Will Learn

Participants will receive access to our online training platform, peer support groups, and interactive sessions to develop their ideas. The programme is divided into three key phases, each building upon the previous one:

Phase 1: Understanding and Ideation (Weeks 1-5)

  • Health & Wellness Challenges: Identify and address a problem related to women’s health and well-being.

  • Design Thinking: Learn to empathise with problems, define them clearly, ideate solutions, prototype, and test concepts.

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Align your idea with a relevant SDG.

Phase 2: Technical Skill Acquisition (Weeks 6-8)

  • Thunkable Mobile App Development: Participants will use Thunkable, a no-code platform, to build functional mobile app prototypes.

  • Artificial Intelligence & Creativity: Learn how to use AI-driven prompting techniques to enhance creativity and critical thinking.

  • Low Code/No Code Development: Develop working mockups without the need for extensive coding.

  • Mockup Alternative: If participants do not have access to a computer, they can submit a detailed app mockup instead. A functional app is not required to win.

Phase 3: Entrepreneurial Focus (Weeks 9-12)

  • Financial Literacy: Gain essential knowledge on financial management.

  • Business Model Canvas: Develop a business model for your solution.

  • Pitching & Presentation Skills: Learn how to effectively communicate your idea to industry leaders and investors.

 

What You Will Gain

By participating in InnovateHER 2025, you will develop skills in creative problem-solving, digital entrepreneurship, and innovation. You will also receive mentorship from industry experts and network with like-minded peers.

Finalists will be invited to a live pitch event on 9 August 2025, where they will present their solutions. The winners will embark on a technology and innovation experience abroad.

Competition Dates

  • Entries Open: 8 March 2025

  • Entries Close: 30 April 2025

  • Programme Start: 7 May 2025

  • Programme End: 30 July 2025

  • Final Submissions: 1 August 2025

  • Judging and Finalist Announcement: 3 August 2025

  • Final Pitch Event & Winners Announcement (will be held in Pretoria, Gauteng): 9 August 2025

  • Winners' Trip Abroad: Mid 2026

Competition Rules

To qualify for the grand prize, participants must adhere to the following rules:

  • The competition is open to individuals and teams of up to 2 people.

  • At least one team member must identify as female.

  • Each individual/team may submit only one idea.

  • Minors must enter with a teacher, who will mentor the team and act as a guardian for winning teams traveling abroad.

  • A teacher may mentor multiple teams from the same school.

  • Participants must have consent from their parents/legal guardians to participate.

  • Winners must have a valid passport by October 2025 to travel.

  • InnovateHER® will not claim ownership over any submitted ideas or IP.

  • The judges' decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

How to Participate

  1. Identify a real-world problem affecting women’s health and well-being that can be solved with a mobile app.

  2. Create a 3-minute TikTok/Instagram-style video, explaining:

    • The problem you’ve identified.

    • Why it is important to solve.

    • (Do not include your proposed solution in the video.)

  3. Submit your video link and personal details via the entry form.

  4. Commit to building a solution over the 12-week programme.

Participants may enter individually or in teams of up to 2 people, provided at least one team member identifies as female. Minors must have a teacher mentor who will support them through the programme and act as a guardian for winning teams during international travel.

Enter Here

Please submit your entry here.

Contact Us

For more information, reach out to us via:

We look forward to your participation in InnovateHER 2025. Join us in empowering young women to create innovative solutions for a better future!

 

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