Now Open: UNDP’S Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa sponsored by The AI Hub for Sustainable Development Co-Design: Startup Acceleration Pilot co-led by the Italian G7 Presidency and the United Nations Development Programme. the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), CDP Venture Capital SGR (CDP), the Italian Innovation and Culture Hub (INNOVIT), and ITU AI for Good.
Africa is on the brink of a powerful AI revolution. To fully utilize its potential and drive inclusive and responsible growth, a collaborative effort is necessary. A unified approach is needed to shape the pillars of AI development, including data, compute, and talent. Without collective action and an enabling ecosystem, there are risks that could limit AI’s potential for sustainable development.
The private sector, including AI/tech startups and private companies, can help bridge the gaps related to data, compute, and talent. This can be achieved through responsible innovations, partnerships, and collaborations to increase access to compute, build talent networks, and improve data quality and accessibility.
Green Compute: The private sector is driving innovations and forming partnerships to enhance access to and affordability of computing solutions.
Talent: Private sector collaborations with universities and research institutes are fostering talent networks and addressing skill gaps through practical learning experiences.
Data: Private sector initiatives are improving data quality and accessibility, while also contributing to the creation of public data resources.
The AI Hub for Sustainable Development Co-Design: Startup Acceleration Pilot, co-led by the Italian G7 Presidency and the United Nations Development Programme, aims to inform the design and development of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development. Partners such as the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), CDP Venture Capital SGR (CDP), the Italian Innovation and Culture Hub (INNOVIT), and ITU AI for Good are involved in supporting this pilot.
The Startup Acceleration Pilot – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
Scheduled to take place from September to October 2024, this Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa trial initiative is designed to promote creativity and collaboration in data, computing, and talent pipelines—the three essential foundations supporting local AI ecosystems in Africa. By concentrating on these fundamental aspects, the trial initiative aims to meet the demand for a unified private sector strategy to reduce risks and unleash the transformative potential of AI for sustainable development. It seeks to back locally-driven innovations that prioritize people and sustainability, ensuring that these innovations benefit the communities in the countries where they are developed.
As part of the initiative, chosen startups will have the chance to join an ecosystem-building event organized by INNOVIT and the Italian G7 Presidency in San Francisco, California, USA on 12 – 14 November 2024. During this event, selected startups will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions, attract potential investments, establish strategic partnerships, and connect with INNOVIT’s startup network and leaders in Silicon Valley’s AI industry.
PHASE 1: APPLICATION PHASE – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
PHASES |
DATES IN 2024 |
ITEM |
|---|---|---|
| Open Call | 19 Jul – 5 Aug | Global Call for Applications |
| Selection | 5 Aug – 15 Aug | Selection Process |
| Notification | 15 Aug | Notify Applicants |
PHASE 2: PREPARATORY PHASE FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa |
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| Prep Period | 1 Sep – 15 Oct | Prep Programme |
PHASE 3: SAN FRANCISCO EVENT – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
|
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| San Francisco Days |
8 Nov – 15 Nov | Global Networking |
| Demo | 11 Nov – 13 Nov | Demo Days |
PHASE 4: ONGOING SUPPORT – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa |
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| Mentorship | Mentorship and Skill Enhancement | |
| Ongoing Support and access to an alumni network and webinars | ||
Application process – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
The Call for Applications for the Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa will run from 19 July to 5 August 2024. Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- A completed application form addressing eligibility, project details, and motivation for applying
- A concise yet detailed company profile document (maximum 2 pages), providing an overview of the startup(s), mission, and key team members
- A PDF or PowerPoint pitch deck (maximum 15 slides) clearly communicating the AI solution, its potential impact, and vision for growth
SUBMISSION DEADLINE – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
All materials must be submitted by 5 August 2024, 11:59 UTC+3. Only complete applications received by this deadline will be considered.
SELECTION PROCESS – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
A committee of stakeholders from various sectors will evaluate the applications based on eligibility criteria and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Who can apply – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
Eligible applicants must:
- Be based in one of the nine pilot countries outlined in the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan: Algeria, Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Côte D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, or Tunisia
- Develop or be aspiring to develop AI solutions that address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Education and Training, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Water, and Infrastructure (both physical and digital)
- Contribute to one of the three pillars of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development:
- Compute distribution and affordability
- Talent development and orchestration
- Data quality, accessibility, and digitization
- Demonstrate a commitment to responsible and sustainable AI development and deployment practices
- Demonstrate professional-level proficiency in English. English is a requirement for at least one member of your team (who will also be expected to participate in the in-person activities of the programme)
Application – Startup Acceleration Pilot Program For AI Startups in Africa
- For details visit the official website
- Deadline is August 5, 2024
