Background
The Lake Kivu Challenge Organizing Committee invites UAS companies (manufacturers and operators) to help advance the safe implementation of electric cargo UAS transport, digital aviation solutions and related infrastructure in the Lake Kivu Region in Rwanda. Companies must fulfill the minimum requirements in order to participate in one or several of three competitions that are designed to push the boundaries of and demonstrate the current state of electric VTOL UAS technology for African markets. The aim of the competitions is to identify contractors to provide delivery and mapping services around Lake Kivu, specifically around the Karongi District.
Who
All flying competitions in the LKC are open to companies that fulfill the rigorous minimum requirements and that are committed to advancing the use of cargo drones and mapping drones in the Karongi District, Rwanda, and Africa.
Competitions Schedule
| Key Dates | Location | Description | |
| Phase I | Registration Deadline: Midnight GMT October 4, 2019 | Online at LVC.skild.com |
Contestants sign up for the competition |
| Phase II
|
Notification of participants byOctober 30, 2019
Submission Deadline Midnight GMT November 20, 2019 |
Online | Complete documentation and reference materials submitted by contestants |
| Phase III | Notification of participants December 10, 2019Battery shipments early January 2020You may also like:
Flying Operations January 29, 2020 – February 16, 2020 |
Karongi District, Rwanda |
Contestants demonstrate capabilities in the Karongi District for each flying competition |
| Symposium and Expo | February 5-7, 2020 | Kigali, Rwanda |
Contestants meet African Stakeholders, participate in the African Drone Forum Symposium and Expo |
Activities
Be a contestant to demonstrate drone operations, provide presentations at the expo and / or symposium, exhibit technology, respond to questions from participants. Engage in stakeholder dialogue and networking with high-level decision-makers around expanding the use of UASs in Rwanda and Africa.
Why participate
- Win a contract for cargo delivery services using drones or data collection and mapping services;
- Support the integration and use of drones to improve information, supply chains and logistics in Rwanda and the Region;
- Media exposure;
- Brand placement and visibility;
- Gaining experience operating in challenging environments;
- Be an active driver and shaper in a community of practice that advances thoughtfully the application of UASs to improve supply chains and advance sustainable economies in Africa.
Logistical Information
Finalists will be invited during phase III to Karongi District to demonstrate their flying operations in front of a Jury in February and to participate in the African Drone Forum Symposium and Expo and various networking events in February. Basic costs such as airfare, local accommodation and meals, shipping and symposium registration fees will be covered.
In addition, support will be provided for the temporary importation of equipment and flying permits.
Contacts
LKC Competitions Team:
Denise Soesilo, Industry Relations Lead
denise@africandroneforum.org
Jonty Slater, Competitions Manager
Challenge@africandroneforum.org