Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communication Technology has launched a Technology Innovation Programme dubbed Techlaunchpad in a move to help software entrepreneurs build companies in the country.
Done through partnerships with industry partners the Techlaunchpad is a Public Private Partnership that will mentor software entrepreneurs to build their technical skills, business skills and management skills.
The entrepreneurs will be mentored by Chief Information Officers from participating companies and industry executives.
The executives will help them fine tune the quality and relevance of their solutions, ensure they are up to international quality and standards and accelerate the launch of their products. The Innovation programme is focused on 4 key challenges i.e. skills, quality, relevance and funding, facing software companies. The programme will also improve the access to Government innovation fund, private sponsorship and Private Equity/Venture Capital funds and help them access financing.
Open for new technology entrepreneurs and emerging businesses solutions still in beta, participants have to be Nigerian citizens, 18 years and over, available in the country throughout the duration of the programme and their business entities must be registered with ownership at least 51% of the company owned by Nigerians. The solution must be original and must not infringe on any known copyright with documentation in English Language. The solutions should be in Financial Services, Oil & Gas.
The first round of applications closes February 24 2013.
The programme has been sponsored by Total, Digital Jewels, Accenture, ExxonMobil,Chevron, First Bank and Access.