Two new entrepreneurship programmes designed by the University of Oxford are open to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovation-driven startups in Nigeria.
The Oxford Foundry, University of Oxford, and FMDQ Private Markets Limited launched a global partnership in July with the objective of encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange between the UK and Nigerian angel investment communities.
Through co-created programmes, the partnership focuses on high-potential sectors such as technology, agriculture, green industries, and healthcare, with applications now available for two of them.
The first is the Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Programme (YELP), a four-month online program aimed at ambitious young Nigerian leaders aged 21 to 35 years that will provide them with the skills, tools, and networks they need to make a positive impact in their communities and country.
The initiative, which is run by the University of Oxford’s Oxford Foundry and FMDQ Private Markets Ltd, is intended at young people who want to help Nigeria reach one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Roundtable discussions with top experts in business and entrepreneurship, masterclasses to assist strengthen leadership abilities, and online community social events will all be part of the customized leadership program.
The online program runs from April until August and is part-time (at least 10 hours each month). There are twenty spots available, and the initiative is completely free.
The second programme is Innovate Nigeria, a two-week intensive accelerator designed to help Nigerian innovation-driven startups grow into scalable businesses with the potential to make a significant social and economic impact.
A bespoke curriculum focusing on core entrepreneurship and venture building skills, one-on-one coaching with the Oxford Foundry’s network of experts, leadership training, and introductions to investors and opportunities to pitch to investors will be provided to successful applicants.
Purpose-driven startups with a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) based on an innovation that provides a significant competitive advantage over existing enterprises are encouraged to apply.
The free online class begins at the end of March, and there are five spots available. Applicants must confirm that they are able to commit to a minimum of 25 hours of programming per week before applying.
