iHub and 1776 have partnered to bring the $650,000 Challenge Cup 2015, a global startup competition in Kenya on January 22 2015 in a move that underscores the country’s as a leader in the global startup community and as well highlight innovators contributions to tackling problems in the society.
In a statement published by iHub, 1776 cofounder Evan Burfield said: “We’re immensely excited about the opportunity to partner with iHub to host the challenge cup in Nairobi, a city whose vibrant startup community is driving transformative change both within Kenya, Africa and far beyond,” said “This competition is about identifying the African region’s most promising startups and connecting them to the mentorship and resources they need to achieve their full promise.”
Apart from Nairobi, the competition will be held in 15 cities in 11 and startups will compete under education, energy, health, and cities categories.
Josiah Mugambi, Executive Director of iHub said:“We’re thrilled to work with 1776 to bring the Challenge Cup to Nairobi, where entrepreneurial drive and creativity have produced an innovation movement that is making change and creating opportunity across Kenya and around the world. iHub is helping to cultivate a community of startups with the potential to drive innovations that positively change our world, and the Challenge Cup will be an important opportunity for these startups to link to a global network that can help them grow and scale.”
Other partners include New Enterprise Associates, Revolution, the Case Foundation, Capital Factory, Rocketspace, Oasis 500, Betahaus, NDRC, 1871, ATP Innovations, INcubes, The Library, NYU Polytechnic Incubator, among others.