Siemens Stiftung announces winners of annual epAward 2019 competition

Siemens Stiftung, a non-profit foundation, announced on Tuesday the winners of this year’s third edition of its international “Empowering People Award” (epAward) competition.

The competition puts forward critical and low-tech solutions aimed at fulfilling the daily needs of evolving regions.

The top three winners are SOLbox (SOLshare) at first place winning €50,000, Adjustable Prosthetic Pylon (Nonspec) at second place winning €30,000, and Avatar (Mind Rockets In.) at third place winning €20,000, the foundation said in a statement.

Most of the applicants come from Africa and Asia.

“The winners represent the most impressive local solutions which have great potential to impact people in developing regions around the world,” said Rolf Huber, Managing Director at Siemens Stiftung.

11 finalists presented their solutions to the competition’s international jury of thought leaders, who evaluated them in terms of sustainability and social benefits.

The applicants, who then managed to provide developing communities with practical business models to secure their benefits, were shortlisted. The foundation vowed that all finalists will earn membership to “empowering people. Network”, a vibrant ecosystem that brings innovators together.

The rest of the enterprises, who did not make it to the top three places, will still be granted €10,000 to bolster their solutions and community work to both global and local levels.

The foundation also said that SuMeWa | System (AUTARCON) won the prestigious WAS Award of €20,000 from Siemens Stiftung’s partner enpact. GrainMate – Grain Moisture Meter (Sesi Technologies Ltd.) also won the most votes from the online community to win a prize of €10,000.

“The award ceremony witnessed a thrilling atmosphere as our finalists put their best foot forward to showcase their social enterprises,” said Rolf Huber, Managing Director at Siemens Stiftung.

“The winners represent the most impressive local solutions which have great potential to impact people in developing regions around the world,” Huber added.

All shortlisted solutions will be added to the foundation’s database to attracts funds and partnership opportunities.