Application Deadline: May 31st, 2023
Startup Africa Roadtrip is a 100% free support program targeting the best entrepreneurs and innovators in East Africa, offering mentorship, training, connection to investors and industrial partners and a trip to Italy for the top performers! The program is organized by the non-profit association BeEntrepreneurs, which has already organized two very successful mentorship programs in Kampala and one in Nairobi.
The goal is to scout and select startup founders, innovators, makers and young talents who intend to develop products or services with high potential impact on relevant topics. The selected startups will take part in a free week of training and co-planning at Norrsken House Kigali in August 2023 with the chance to win a fully funded trip to Italy in the spring 2024.
Benefits
- The trip will allow the selected startups to present their projects to Italian professionals, universities, investments funds and to build bridges between our two ecosystems of innovation.
- Startup Africa Roadtrip want to give brilliant African innovators the opportunity to build strong relationships with local and Italian/European stakeholders for a win-win business approach, creating a collaborative, multicultural and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem without barriers and borders!
Startups selected to participate in the bootcamp week will have the chance to create long-term, valuable connections with stakeholders of the local ecosystem of innovation and with our network of Italian partners and excellences.
Furthermore, the best 3, evaluated during a final event by a jury made up of members from Rwandan universities, incubators, investors, and institutions, will win the opportunity to travel to Italy for a fully funded road trip to meet potential partners. Moreover:
- They will have the opportunity to collaborate and co-design new ideas with some of the most-influential stakeholders of the Rwandan ecosystem of innovation;
- They will also have the opportunity to network with mentors, potential investors, partners, and other interesting stakeholders;
- Throughout the bootcamp, participants will have access to not only learning opportunities, but also exciting, engaging, and inspiring events;
- They will have the chance to improve their early business features with tailored mentorship and tutoring, and work with experts to enhance the potential of their projects;
- They will also have the opportunity to improve their storytelling and build compelling pitches;
- Startups will have the chance to present their ideas to the local investor network and other influential individuals, and foster conversation with them;
- All the startups will enter our community of professionals and individuals with shared passions and ambitions!
Timeline
- SCOUTING: Closing of the call for startups on 31st of May 2023
Selection of up to 20 of the best Startups from East African landscape to bring to the final sprint
- SELECTION
The selection committee evaluates all the applications with also 1-1 in-depth meetings
- ONBOARDING
Introduce our methodology and prepare startups to the bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda
- BOOTCAMP
An intense journey of learning by doing and fruitful meetings with the key players of the local innovation ecosystem (7th – 11th of August 2023)
- FINAL EVENT
Showcase your progress and take your startup to the next level!
Application steps
1. Screening phase
Tell us about your team and project/ startup with detailed info about your project, revenues and customers.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Pitch Deck (mandatory)
- Business Plan (optional)
2. One to One phase
Let’s get to know each other better. This is your chance to show to us your potential.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Pitch Deck
- Business Plan (optional)
- Prototype (optional)
- Visual explanations (optional)
3. Announcement Day
We will get in touch with the team that has made it to the bootcamp in Kigali!
WHAT YOU NEED:
- So much excitement!
4. Onboarding
Time to e-meet your future partners, mentors and other startups. It’s a great time to show your soft skills.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Pitch Deck
- A lot of.. energy!
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Next Generation Africa Think Glocal Startup Africa Roadtrip