GIZ Accelerator Program for Climate Change Innovations

Published by pavlo

Deadline: 25 March 2022
Open to: climate-focused technology startups
Benefits: 10.000 euro in grant funding, mentorship and technical project support, and other benefits

DESCRIPTION

The GIZ Accelerator program for Climate Change Innovations is looking for early-stage companies in Benin, Cameroon, and Niger that deliver digital solutions to combat climate change. Companies should be able to demonstrate at least a proof of concept, a prototype and first traction in the market. In each of the three countries, a maximum of three early-stage companies will be selected to join the program, making a cohort of nine companies in total. After a needs assessment, these companies will receive tailor-made technical support, coordinated by our in-country partners Etrilabs (Benin), ActivSpaces (Cameroon), and CIPMEN (Niger).

ELIGIBILITY

This program is open to climate-focused technology startups meeting the following criteria:

  • Officially incorporated, registered with the local chamber of commerce in the country or in the process of being registered
  • Delivering a technology and/or digital solution to accelerate the deployment of climate solutions at scale
  • Existing solution on the market (at least proof of concept, minimum viable product) on one of the selected themes which has the capacity to scale
  • The product or service attracts its first customers and shows initial interest from clients (BtoB or BtoC) or investors/donors
  • Founder and its core team members must be available and committed to join all program elements (including monitoring and evaluation questionnaires)
  • At least one of the founders is originated from Benin, Cameroon, Niger
  • Although this is not a selection criteria, attention will be given to teams committed to promote diversity and inclusion in their venture

BENEFITS

  • The major component of this program  will be the mentorship and technical project support with
    • The involvement of an experienced business mentor for a period of 6 months
    • Learning best practices from business experts to grow your business and your team
  • The selected companies will be exposed to corporate partners and investors to attract potential business opportunities and investments
  • Collaboration with the in-country GIZ’s Digital Transformation Centers will help the founders to further grow their business and scale at local and regional levels
  • Finalists will have ample opportunities to network with local and regional startup founders
  • During a closing program event, 10.000 euro in grant funding will be shared across the 3 finalists per country

HOW TO APPLY?

Click here to apply. For more details, please visit the official website.