Co-creation HUB and Edo State Government, have
announced calls for Edo tech startups looking to join the “Strengthening Edo
State’s Digital Solutions Ecosystem programme”, which aims at creating economic
opportunities for people, especially marginalized groups, who do not have
access to capital and other resources to grow and scale their businesses.
The program, according to a statement is not
only aimed at helping startups achieve remarkable growth and scale program but also
offers crucial provisions like training, mentorship, funding and go-to-market
support to ensure long-term success for ventures in Edo
State. Ultimately, the program will strengthen the state ecosystem and allow targeted groups to live a productive life.
The statement noted that 50 startups will have
access to sub-grant support through two programs – the Inclusion-Focused
Support and the Innovation Challenge Program for diverse
startups with underrepresented founders and teams (women) and the Innovation
Challenge for all tech startups with innovative ideas and products, offering
grant funding for those with market potential.
The
Innovation Challenge programme (30 Startups/10k USD Each) is open to Edo-indigene-led
tech startups with a working product, technical expertise, gender diversity,
and solutions across all sectors. They should also explain how their technology
can help solve problems in Edo state. Women-led or gender-diverse teams
prioritizing marginalized communities and sustainable development goals are
encouraged to apply.
On the other hand, the Inclusion-Focused Support
Programme (20
Startups/20k USD Each) is for tech startups and companies led
by talent from Edo state. Such ventures should have a functioning prototype
past the idea stage and be tested for market validation. The team should be
diverse, including people with marketing, business development skills, and
other relevant areas besides technical expertise.
“We are glad that
CcHUB, a pioneering force within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, will be the
implementing partner of the “Strengthening Edo State’s Digital Solutions
Ecosystem Project”, says Precious Izoduwa Asemota, the Executive Director of Edo
Innovates.
The application call commenced on 12 January 2024 and
will close on 12 February 2024.
By:
Kanto Okanta
