The IBM SmartCamp competition is scheduled to begin from 1 July to 9 October 2014. The winner of the competition will have the title ‘IBM’s Global Entrepreneur of the Year’ however they have to be convincing enough when pitching their unique technology business idea to a panel of industry experts.
“IBM SmartCamps are one aspect of IBM’s Global Entrepreneur initiative, designed to stimulate innovation and build skills for startups from around the world that are building new technologies to tackle some of the world’s really pressing issues,” said Clayton Booysen, Ecosystem Development Leader for IBM.
The competition will held in Nairobi, Lagos and Cape Town, with the finals being held in Johannesburg. Additional events have been planned for Cairo on 8 September, and Casablanca on 16 September.
In Africa, the IBM SmartCamps are conducted within the Tech4Africa conference and participants present their innovative businesses aligned with IBM’s Smarter Planet strategy to an accomplished panel of judges. This year IBM is the Entrepreneur Partner to Tech4Africa 2014, and the SmartCamp events scheduled are intended to draw maximum awareness and interest for Africa’s budding innovations.
Startups who participate in IBM’s Global Entrepreneur initiative receive access to free software, as well as a team of dedicated project managers to assist in product development through the global network of 40 IBM Innovation Centers.
“We are focused on build relationships with quality startups, helping them accelerate their go to market quickly and cost effectively, and ensuring a sustainable and profitable business model. Companies like MoDE, MySmartFarm and GoMetro are the hallmark of the intent of the programme,” said Booysen.
This is how the event is lined up:
- 1 Jul 2014 – Nairobi
- 15 Jul 2014 – Lagos
- 28 Aug 2014 – Cape Town
- 8 & 9 Oct Finals – Johannesburg