AfricaCOM is the largest gathering of some of the best minds in the industries of technology, communications and media. It was here that Google announced their new initiative called the ‘Launchpad Accelerator programme’. The global giant’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, states that the initiative is tailor made for African start-ups.
This initiative will operate from a new Google Launchpad Space in Lagos – the first onsite location for the programme outside the US.
The ‘Launchpad Accelerator programme’ seeks to provide African start-ups with over 3 million US dollars in equity-free support, working space and access to expert advisers from Google, Silicon Valley and Africa. Participants will also receive travel and public relations support during the three month programme.
We’ve launched ‘Launchpad Africa’ which is an Africa specific programme for AfricaCOM entrepreneurs, and what that means is that we’ve opened up applications for startups across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and a couple of other countries to apply to be part of a 3 month residency programme in Lagos.
— Michelle Atagana, Head of Communication at Google South Africa
The aim of the initiative is to gain knowledge, connections, collaborations, advice and a lot more business.
The first application period is open until the 11th December.
To qualify, applicants need to have a technological startup business based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Your business should target the African market and have raised seed funding.
Hear the full audio below…