UK-Nigeria Tech Hub Launches COVID-19 Startup Accelerator Programme

The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub has partnered with Ventures Platform and Startupbootcamp AfriTech to launch the iNOVO Accelerator Programme for innovative Nigerian edtech, agritech, and healthtech startups that have created solutions to challenges created as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The UK- Nigeria Tech Hub is an initiative by the UK Government to support the growth of the Nigerian tech ecosystem.

The fully digital programme will accelerate 10 early-stage startups in Nigeria in the edtech, healthtech, and agritech sector along with granting 100 early-stage startups life-time learning access to its digital Accelerator Squared platform.

Honey Ogundeyi, Country Director of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub provides insight into the launch of the new programme.

“With the impact of Covid-19 on the economy, there’s a need to support promising early-stage startups who are driving innovative solutions to address problems caused by Covid on some of the Hub’s core areas – health, agriculture, and education”.

She also stated that “through the iNOVO programme, entrepreneurs will gain digital and entrepreneurship skills needed to scale their businesses.”

Director of Programmes at Ventures Platform Foundation, Mohamed Felata, additionally stated that; after a devastating 2020, there is a greater need for Nigerian innovators to rise to the challenge. This is the time to build solutions that will not only help the affected industries heal but also fortify them for the future. We are looking to Nigerian innovators to show the world we have an important role to play in rebuilding the global economy”.

Access to the platform provides the 100 selected early-stage startups with an abundant resource of modules that cover the foundation to build a successful startup.

Hosted over three-months, the accelerator’s 10 selected startups will receive capacity building, lean startup training, mentorship, and support to rapidly scale their products and business models. Selected startup founders will engage directly with the SBC AfriTech and Ventures Platform team, dedicated Entrepreneurs in Residence, mentors, investors, and industry experts.

Participating startups will gain exposure to a large group of potential investors. In addition, the 10 selected participants will also receive legal support from Sidebrief, credits from Amazon Web Services, and credits from Msg91.

Registration for the programme ends on the 24th of February, 2020. Interested applicants can apply here.