If you're an ambitious African youth or student entrepreneur seeking to elevate your entrepreneurial journey and make a significant impact on your community, the AFRISE Challenge 2025 is now accepting applications. This initiative offers a platform for high-potential individuals to transform into job creators, thereby contributing to local and regional economic development.
AFRISE Challenge Programme Summary
Location: Africa and Montreal, Canada
Host Institutions: Concordia University, Hindsight Ventures, AfriLabs
Programme Type: Entrepreneurship Development Program
Target Group: African youth aged 18–35
Fields of Focus: Financial Services, Healthcare, Agriculture, Energy/Utility, Education, Environment, Telecommunications, Arts & Creativity
Value: Mentorship, leadership development, technology credits exceeding $600,000, international exposure
Duration: 4-week virtual accelerator program, followed by a 1-week international exposure for top participants
Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
Eligible Countries: Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Senegal
AFRISE Challenge Overview
The AFRISE Challenge 2025 aims to identify and support young innovators and entrepreneurs who have scalable ideas to address significant challenges in various sectors. The program is structured as follows:
Accelerator Program: Thirty high-potential founders will be selected for a 4-week mentorship and leadership development accelerator. This program will be delivered by successful founders, industry leaders, domain experts, and investors, alongside leaders from Concordia University, Hindsight Ventures, and AfriLabs' global network.
International Demo Day: The accelerator will culminate in an International Demo Day, where the top 15 entrepreneurs will present their ideas to early-stage venture investors and Entrepreneurship Support Organizations, providing opportunities for funding support (both grant and equity-based).
Technology Credits and Support: Each startup will receive technology credits exceeding $600,000 from partners such as AWS, Zoho, IBM, Microsoft, Canva, DigitalOcean, and FreshWorks.
International Market Exposure: Five youth entrepreneurs will be selected for a 1-week international exposure in Montreal with Concordia University, offering them a chance to engage with the global startup ecosystem.
Program Benefits
Mentorship and Leadership Development: Access to guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Extensive Technology Resources: Substantial technology credits to support business development.
Funding Opportunities: Potential for grant and equity-based funding through the International Demo Day.
Global Exposure: Opportunity to participate in an international exposure program in Montreal, Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
Aged between 18 and 35 years.
Resident of Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, or Senegal.
Possess a scalable idea addressing challenges in sectors such as Financial Services, Healthcare, Agriculture, Energy/Utility, Education, Environment, Telecommunications, or Arts & Creativity.
Application Procedure
Online Application: Complete the application form available on the AFRISE Challenge website.
Idea Submission: Provide a detailed description of your innovative solution, including its scalability and potential impact.
Supporting Documents: Submit any relevant documents that support your application, such as a prototype, business plan, or evidence of early traction.
Documents Required:
Completed application form.
Detailed description of the business idea or innovation.
Any supporting documents demonstrating the feasibility and potential impact of the idea.
For more details and to apply, visit the official AFRISE Challenge page on Concordia University's website.
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