![](https://mladiinfo.eu/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/gvrrt-3f9u7rzoo8snztd4fy4ef4.png)
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.