NSIA Picks Startups for Innovation Bootcamp
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has announced the startups chosen to participate in the physical bootcamp stage (Accelerator Stage) of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0).
This programme, a long-term initiative by the NSIA, aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The Authority observed that this year saw an increase in interest, with over 7,000 early-stage businesses participating in the competition, a significant rise from the 2,000 applicants in the first year.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, the initial group was narrowed down to 100 promising startups, and from there, a select few were chosen to partake in the intensive physical bootcamp.
The diverse sectors represented by this year’s bootcamp participants underscore the varied landscape of Nigeria’s growing tech industry. Among the shortlisted startups are Magic Carpet, Materials Pro, Jump n Pass, Awacash, VPay, Betalife, Centio Healthcare, Yalo, Pocket Lawyers, Doktorconnect, Trashcoin, and One Health.
The bootcamp activities concludes with a mini demo day, where startups will present their solutions to a panel of judges comprising experts from the technology and business sectors. The most impressive startups will progress to the esteemed Demo Day.
The physical bootcamp offers these startups a valuable opportunity to accelerate their growth. They will be immersed in interactive training sessions, workshops tailored to their specific needs, and networking opportunities with other innovators.
The top ten finalists of the Demo Day will receive a combined prize package worth US$220,000, as well as an all-expenses-paid, five-week training program at Draper University in Silicon Valley, USA.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq noted the Authority’s commitment to leveraging the NPI program. He explained its role in propelling socio-economic development by: Stimulating the tech ecosystem; Encouraging young entrepreneurs; Fostering innovative solutions and Positioning Nigerian tech talents for global recognition
Other participants chosen also include ;Redease; VPD; Kunda Kids; Agroxchange Technology; Sycamore; Passcoder; Earlybean; Powerfull; Adashe; Cash Africa; TownHall; Sakula; Pave and Tribapay
