Who should Apply?
We are looking for Solutions which:
- Have a clear concept & valid value proposition
- Have completed their initial market validation process
- Will benefit from hands-on support on their product development
- The solution would ideally include a hardware component (not a must)
- In case of an established business-it must be African-owned, majorly-Nigerian-owned business, currently or intending to operate in Nigeria
- Address one of Africa’s challenges and fall within one of our areas of focus
Areas of Focus
1. FOOD SECURITY (Agriculture and Food Technology) :
Solutions that increase productivity as well as address challenges around food processing and supply chain.
2. HEALTH/MEDICAL DEVICE:
Solutions which will increase the accessibility to proper advanced health care.
3. EDTECH:
Solutions which increase access to proper education suited to the local content and learning environment, including AI in education, learning tools and more.
4. CIRCULAR ECONOMY :
Solutions that reduce or eliminate waste, from product design to its end of life. For example, utilizing waste by turning it into useful products.
5. CLEAN ENERGY:
Solutions that serve rural and/or peri-urban communities not adequately served by the national grid, addresses a real energy-access issue across any part of the value chain.
6. MANUFACTURING:
Solutions that improve manufacturing/small scale manufacturing capacity that will solve challenges in infrastructure and maintenance, including quality assurance.
7. OTHERS:
If the idea you are passionate about does not fall into any of the above, but has a proven need/demand, please feel free to apply. We know that passionate entrepreneurs with surprising ideas may be the greatest.
Process
- Applications and Initial screening process.
- Secondary screening process.
- Online pitching competition- Shortlisted candidates will pitch to our selection committee which includes investors, stakeholders and experts. Candidates will be assessed based on their value proposition, market needs, entrepreneurial and technical skills.
- Selected teams will enter our product development journey which includes:
- Online office hours and workshops with experts from Innov8 Hub and from our network aimed at validating/improving product market fit & value proposition , providing hands-on support on product development, from product design to production.
- Bootcamps at Innov8 Hub Abuja: depends on stage and readiness – participants will be invited to 1-2 product development bootcamps at Innov8 Hub, which is equipped with high-end technology, machinery and the expertise needed for prototyping and product development, from product design to fabrication.
- Depends on readiness- Access to potential partners for piloting/testing
- Showcase event – exhibition of prototypes/MVPs/products, pitching to investors and potential partners.
- For all in-person bootcamps- travel expenses are sponsored and accommodation and feeding provided.