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Innovate Now, the first Assistive Technology Accelerator in Africa, has welcomed innovators across the continent to apply to a program that seeks to develop mobile solutions tailored to help people living with disabilities.
The Innovate Now program is funded by UK Aid and run by the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub and Amref Enterprises Limited.
The accelerator is in its second cohort and seeks to work with 12 start-ups on the continent, and has invited applications from companies that are working on mobile-based technology and solutions that aim at assisting people with disabilities.
According to Innovate Now, tech solutions should help people with disabilities to easily access information. The accelerator is also after mobile tech focused on solutions that can help people with disabilities during crises, as it is now during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Innovate Now Cohort 2.0 intake’s theme is Mobile and Assistive Technology (AT), and startups seeking to participate have until June 8 to submit their applications.
Once selected to join the program, startups will take part in a rigorous 3-month acceleration program. The virtual program is set to run from July to September 2020. During this period, startups will access the Innovate Now Live-Lab Network, with an opportunity to engage people with disabilities as they develop their solutions.
Finalists will also have mentorship from several experts, including GDI Hub’s Rhys Williams and Catherine Holloway, Anne Lawi of Pangea Accelerator, and Robert Yawe of SynapTech Solutions.
At the same time, five startups that emerged top at last year’s program will present their pitches on June 4 during the Innovate Now Virtual Demo Day.
