Tech in Africa
The second program of the SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) in Uganda will focus on digital agriculture applications. This call looks to attract local and global entrepreneurs championing solutions in digital agriculture that touch on SDG2 (Zero hunger) and SDG9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure).
The call will narrow down to:
- Solutions in digital agriculture that can support least developed country populations.
- Innovative ideas in digital agriculture that can be scaled
- Funding to develop an MVP
- Can test their opportunity in Uganda with the help of local institutions and additional investment.
Benefits of joining the program include being part of a global network, mentorship from UNDP, government institutions, global investors, agriculture and technology experts, and the UN Technology bank. Winners receive a $15,000 equity-free grant when accepted into the Accelerator programme.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs kick-started an innovative initiative aimed at supporting international entrepreneurs who can impact development. The Foundation Act was signed for the establishment of a Sustainable Development Goals Impact Accelerator Foundation.
After a successful first round, Development Goals Impact Accelerator (SDGia) earmarked Uganda as one of the countries that will best serve their second program. Other international partners are the World Food Programme, United Nations Development Programme, Qatar Fund for Development, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The first pilot phase centered on New generation sanitation” and “Access to livelihoods through the use of Digital IDs”. This programme received 150 applications from 35 countries comprising of select entrepreneur teams that took part in Turkey’s entrepreneurship programme. This year’s 2020 programme will admit entrepreneurs who are developing projects on financial inclusion, health, and agriculture-based technologies. The fieldwork will take place in Uganda and Bangladesh. Thus far Turkey has allocated USD $1 million for the second phase of this programme.
The application window closes on the 22nd of January, 2021. Apply here
