I am pleased to announce the launch of the 2016 GIST Tech-I Competition! The competition, Tech-I, is a global competition focused on young scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, aged between 18-40 years old, who have either an idea or startup in Science and Technology fields. The competition is a U.S. Department of State initiative and is implemented by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

The application is simple, requiring the submission of a short summary, an executive summary of 750-words, and a 90-second promotional video. This year citizens of 135 emerging economies are eligible to apply and following an initial expert panel review applications then go to the public vote. Up to thirty finalists will then win an all-inclusive paid trip to Silicon Valley, California to participate in the Finals at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. At the finals, applicants will have the opportunity to win prizes, a year membership to AAAS, and every finalist will also receive up to 3 months one-on-one mentorship with top experts in their field or subject of interest.

This is an exceptionally exciting competition. Applications opened December 7, 2015 and will close January 15, 2016.

For more information regarding the competition, please feel free to visit here.