How to Enter the MENA Water-Energy-Food Nexus and Build a Thriving Innovator Cohort

Jul 28 2021

What to Expect: The Need for a Thorough and Multi-level Expert Assessment

At the next stage of the application process, after the concept notes had been narrowed down during a strict full proposal application phase, it was crucial to bring in fresh eyes to review the applications.

To guarantee neutrality and objectivity, the prospective innovators who moved on to the full proposal application stage were reviewed by an independent Regional Advisory Board (RAB). The MENA RIH’s Regional Advisory Board is made up of 11 regional experts who support the MENA RIH on various aspects like the innovator selection process, advisory on improving business model and setting the firm for transformation, as well as linkages and networking facilitation.

By using a multi-level approach that thoroughly examines and engages companies, WE4F can go one step further beyond merely an offline review and superficial interviews to truly understand each full proposal application. This allows the selection committee to see and hear the motivation and drive behind each written application first-hand, and thus assess the candidates’ dedication to the WE4F mission and impact creation.