DEMO Africa 2018 applications now open

The application window for startups to launch at the 2018 edition of DEMO Africa in Morocco is officially open.

Stephen Ozoigbo, Managing Partner of the Lions@frica initiative; and CEO of the African Technology Foundation made the announcement recently. Now in its 7^th year, The DEMO Africa platform gives technology entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet with potential investors and technology buyers; in addition to providing mentorship and tools worth more than US$25,000 to each of the participating startups.

The DEMO Africa programme includes an 8-week mentorship programme and access to tools and services from Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.

“These tools are meant to provide a soft landing for entrepreneurs building solutions using industry grade infrastructure,” said Ozoigbo.

Program finalists also get a chance to join global stakeholders for the Lions@frica Innovation Tour in Silicon Valley; and continue their journey to globalizing their solutions while gaining cutting edge tools and resources to expand their networks.

The deadline for applications is June 30^th, 2018. After the deadline a continental panel of judges will adjudicate the applications; with the finalists announced at the end of July.

For the 2018 edition of DEMO Africa, the organizers are particularly interested in receiving startup applications that seek to propel African communities into the 4^th industrial revolution; while supporting frugal go-to-market activities within a Pan-African context.

Like previous years, the selection process will involve the DEMO Africa city tours across the continent; to identify high potential startups that will be regional and national ambassadors to the African ecosystem.

“This is a very competitive process and companies will be required to go through a series of competitions to represent their countries and region,” said Mbugua Njihia, Event Director, DEMO Africa.

Application and Selection Criteria

Successful applicants must meet the following criteria:Have a working product, have an innovative solution to a difficult problem in Africa, have a team to execute the solution, have potential to scale; and be investor ready.

Final selection and announcement of the thirty participating companies to launch at DEMO Africa will occur at end of July. Entry categories for the 2018 edition of DEMO Africa in Morocco include Health, Education, Agriculture, Commerce, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Entertainment, Energy, Logistics, Big Data, FinTech and Artificial Intelligence. All applications will be made online through the DEMO Africa portal.

You can follow LIONS@FRICA on Twitter @lionsafrica and DEMO AFRICA @demoafrica.