Strengthening Edo State’s Digital Solutions Ecosystem
Application Deadline: 12 February 2024
Call for Applications
“The Co-Creation Hub is assisting the Edo State government in strengthening its digital solutions ecosystem and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We are launching an Innovation Challenge Programme and an Inclusion-Focused Support Challenge Programme which provides support and resources to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. We aim to support impact-driven founders in developing their businesses into viable entities and obtaining funding to improve and expand their operations. Startups around the state should apply following the guidelines below.”
Edo State Innovation Challenge
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for startups/ventures that:
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Are technology startups / technology-enabled companies led by Edo indigenes
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Are incorporated in Nigeria and headquartered in Edo State.
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Have a Post-minimum Viable product (MVP) stage/working product with some users and paying customers.
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Can clearly articulate how their technology products or services contribute to solving problems in Edo state in areas like healthcare, education, agriculture, or infrastructure.
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Have technology solutions in frontier industries such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain.
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Have a balanced team with in-house technical capacity and gender diversity.
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Are women-led or gender-diverse with talent from marginalized communities in leadership or within the teams.
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Are developing solutions with the potential to drive impact positively in Edo State i.e., solutions with the potential to improve the lives of individuals in Edo State and beyond. This may include specific sustainable development goals.
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Prioritize and are committed to promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Edo State Inclusion-Focused Support Programme
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for startups/ventures that:
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Are technology startups / technology-enabled companies led by Edo indigenes
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Are incorporated in Nigeria and headquartered in Edo State.
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Have a functioning prototype that has surpassed the idea stage in the initial development phase, seeking market validation through testing.
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Have a balanced team with in-house technical capacity boasting a diverse set of talents, which may include individuals with skills in marketing, business development, and other relevant areas in addition to technical expertise.
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Are women-led or gender-diverse with talent from marginalized communities in leadership or within the teams?
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Have solutions that actively address challenges faced by marginalized communities
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Have solutions designed for sectors that the Edo State government is interested in strengthening at the grassroots level, including but not limited to gender disparities.
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Have solutions with the potential to drive impact positively in Edo State i.e., organizations developing solutions with the potential to improve the lives of individuals in Edo State and beyond. This may include specific sustainable development goals
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Prioritize and are committed to promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
The program includes capacity building and funding. Priority will be given to women-led organizations. Thus, women are strongly encouraged to apply.
We look forward to reviewing your application!