The Edo State government has announced a partnership with the Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), a leading innovation centre in Africa, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation, to support the growth and development of tech startups in the state.
The partnership aims to strengthen the digital solutions ecosystem in Edo State and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. The partnership will provide grant support to 50 tech startups through two programs: the Inclusion-Focused Support and the Innovation Challenge Program.
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Inclusion-Focused Support and the Innovation Challenge Program
The Inclusion-Focused Support and the Innovation Challenge Program is a program that targets diverse startups with underrepresented founders and teams, especially women. The program will provide funding, mentorship, training and access to networks for 25 startups that are solving social and economic challenges in Edo State and beyond.
The program is open to startups that are at the ideation or early stage, have a minimum viable product or prototype, have a clear value proposition and customer segment, and have a potential for scalability and impact.
The program will offer grants of up to N5 million per startup, as well as technical and business support from CcHUB and its partners. The program will also connect the startups with relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies, investors, customers and mentors.
The program is looking for startups that are addressing challenges in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, governance, environment and energy.
Innovation Challenge
The Innovation Challenge is a program that is open to all tech startups with innovative ideas and products that have market potential and can create value for customers and society. The program will provide funding, mentorship, training and access to networks for 25 startups that are at the growth stage, have a proven product-market fit, have a traction and revenue, and have a potential for scalability and impact.
The program will offer grants of up to N10 million per startup, as well as technical and business support from CcHUB and its partners. The program will also connect the startups with relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies, investors, customers and mentors.
The program is looking for startups that are leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, internet of things, big data and analytics, and are operating in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, mobility, logistics, media and entertainment.
Application Process
The application process for both programs is online and free of charge. The application deadline is 12 February 2024. The selection process will involve an online screening, a pitch session and a due diligence. The selected startups will be announced in March 2024 and will commence the program in April 2024.
The application form and the eligibility criteria can be found on the CcHUB website: https://cchubnigeria.com/edostate
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About the Partners
The Edo State government is committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in the state, as part of its vision to transform Edo into a digital economy and a hub for tech talent and solutions in Africa.
The Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) is a social innovation centre that provides a platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, investors and policymakers to collaborate and create solutions for social and economic problems in Africa. CcHUB has incubated and supported over 200 startups and social enterprises across various sectors and countries.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation that works to improve the quality of life for people around the world, especially in the areas of health, education, poverty reduction and innovation. The foundation has invested over $1.5 billion in Africa, supporting initiatives that address the continent’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.