The UNICEF Startup Lab has selected 25 tech-enabled social impact
startups for its highly anticipated Cohort 4 of the 2024 accelerator
program. The program according to organizers is designed to provide crucial
support to social impact startups, empowering them to enhance their business
models for maximum impact, access partnership and financing opportunities,
establish market linkages, build networks, and receive personalized mentorship.
The
UNICEF Startup Lab's 2024 accelerator program kick-off marks a significant step
forward in harnessing the power of technology and entrepreneurship to drive
social change and improve the lives of children and young people across Ghana.
The
UNICEF Startup Lab programme is led by UNICEF in Ghana, supported by KOICA
(Korea International Cooperation Agency), and implemented by MEST Africa, under
the “KOICA-UNICEF Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ghana”
project. Throughout the program, the startups will collaborate with UNICEF program
specialists to refine their products, ground truth their solutions, and gain
invaluable insights into market dynamics. Additionally, they will be exposed to
international and national investment opportunities, with a gateway to the
UNICEF Innovation Fund and the Digital Public Goods Alliance.
Speaking
on the occasion, Fiachra McAsey, UNICEF Deputy Representative, Ghana,
emphasized, "The UNICEF Startup Lab
accelerates innovative, market-driven, transformative solutions developed by
young Ghanaian businesses that aim to address some of the most complex
challenges affecting the well-being of children and young people around the
world, particularly the most vulnerable. We are excited to welcome this new
cohort to the UNICEF Startup Lab to support them in making a positive
difference for every child."
Bosung
Jeang, Senior Deputy Country Director of KOICA Ghana, stated, "KOICA is honoured to support the
UNICEF Startup Lab in nurturing the next generation of social impact
innovators. KOICA shares in the aspirations of the young and budding startups
chosen to make a difference in the lives of people and society amidst the
global challenges we are all facing. Investing in these startups is an
investment in the well-being of Ghana's children and the sustainable development
of the nation.”
Ashwin
Ravichandran of MEST Africa added, "The
startups selected for the 2024 cohort are a testament to the vibrant tech
ecosystem in Ghana. We are committed to providing them with the tools and
resources they need to succeed and scale their impact. We look forward to
witnessing the transformative solutions they will bring to the market."
Out
of over 500 initial applications, the 25 selected startups represent a wide
array of sectors, including education, health, agritech, frontier technologies,
assistive technologies for individuals with special needs, mobility, fintech,
and climate action. The cohort is geographically diverse, covering regions such
as Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Northern, Volta, Ahafo, and Brong Ahafo.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
