The Startupper Challenge, which supports companies in Nigeria and around Africa, has its 2024 edition underway, thanks to TotalEnergies Nigeria.
The 100th anniversary of TotalEnergies is being celebrated with this year’s edition, which will assist 100 entrepreneurs in 32 African nations.
Young entrepreneurs with startups or business creation projects under three years old, ages 18 to 35, are qualified to enter the competition. Three categories—new ideas, economically friendly, and empowering—and an N8 million cash prize, individualised assistance, and a public relations campaign to raise awareness of the initiative are all part of this challenge. Challenge registration will commence on May 13 and close on June 18, 2024.
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The challenge was launched online on Thursday at an event attended by the Managing Director of TotalEnergies Nigeria Plc, Dr Samba Seye, and other energy company executives.
During the inaugural remarks, the multinational’s 100th anniversary was announced for the 2024 challenge.
TotalEnergies’ General Manager, Mrs Adesua Adewole, announced the start date for this year’s competition, which will feature 100 startups and 15 finalists, with winners chosen by a jury of experts, focusing on startups under three years old.
How TotalEnergies Startupper challenge transformed SOSO CARE
Mr Nonso Opurum, founder of SOSO CARE, a revolutionary insure-tech startup, shared his inspiring story at the virtual launch of the TotalEnergies Startupper Challenge. As a past challenge winner, he recounted how the experience transformed his business. SOSO CARE’s innovative approach uses recyclable garbage as a financial resource, providing affordable insurance to underserved communities.
Winning the challenge brought significant benefits to SOSO CARE, including increased visibility and recognition, Access to funding and resources, Mentorship and guidance from industry experts, networking opportunities with potential partners and investors
Mr. Opurum emphasised that the challenge helped him refine his business model, build a stronger team, and scale his operations. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity: “The Startupper Challenge is a launchpad for innovative ideas and passionate entrepreneurs. It can catapult your business to new heights, as it did for SOSO CARE.
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About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a French multinational integrated oil and gas company. It’s one of the major players in the energy sector, with operations spanning exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of oil and gas products. Additionally, TotalEnergies has been investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, aiming to diversify its energy portfolio and adapt to the changing landscape of the energy industry.