Program Description
The Africa AI Accelerator program is structured to identify entrepreneurs with innovative high growth AI solutions that are commercially viable, socially driven and creatively designed and can be refined and scaled through an acceleration program. We seek passionate teams with post-idea and early stage solutions that demonstrate market relevance, commercial viability and early traction. Running as a pilot for 10 AI startups from Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda and Uganda, the program has been structured to holistically support Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning startups for sustainable and inclusive development in Africa The program will run for 6 months, with an approach anchored on strengthening the business and technical capacity of participating startups. Customized to boost collaboration between startups and corporates, commercial partners and investors, participating startups will come out of the program having received adequate support to meet clear growth aspirations through measurable targets setting. With program management by the Ghana Tech Lab, the first cohort of the Africa AI Accelerator program is expected to run from August to December, 2020.
Objective / Expected Outcomes Of Program
The program is designed to meet the following objectives:
1. Strengthened Technical Competence
With cross-range training in AI, ML and other related disciplines, tailored skills development support and coaching, entrepreneurs on the program will exit having strengthened their technical capacity in AI and ML.
2. Strengthened Business Capacity
The selected participants will be exposed to business training and capacity development required towards building highly scalable AI businesses out of their innovative solutions. With training and expert support from experienced business coaches and mentors, entrepreneurs will be able to develop a strong business model for their solutions.
Startups will come out with the following done as part of the program:
- Business Model Report
- Business & Strategic Growth Plan
- Market Analysis Report
- Internal Control Manuals (Finance Policies and Procedures Manual; HR Manual)
3. Product Readiness
Our highly intensive program will support participating startups in building MVPs, refining and testing their solutions, thereby making them market-ready.
4. Investment readiness
With entrepreneurs’ technical and business capacities strengthened, participating startups will be in good positions to attract funding from Angel Investors, early stage focused VC funds and other investors.
5. Partnership Agreements
Through structured networking and introduction to relevant corporate bodies and institutions, the entrepreneurs will sign strategic agreements that will prove useful for customer acquisition, product roll out, corporate R&D integrations, etc.
Program Activities
Below is a detailed summary of the program timelines
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Kick-off and Orientation | August 3rd - August 7th |
| Pre-program Assessment | August 5th - August 7th |
|
Core Accelerator Phase
|
August 10th - November 30th |
| AI Accelerator On-site Bootcamp in Accra* | September 7th - September 18th |
| Demo Days (also to be hosted in Accra) | November 23rd - November 27th |
| Follow-Ups | December 11th - December 31st |
*Under consideration
Proposal For Mentors
Ghana Tech Lab is calling on Business Development Specialists with a fair industry knowledge of Technology Entrepreneurship, particularly Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and other relevant backgrounds that are in line with our above listed objectives. Successful consultants will support and guide participants of our Africa AI Accelerator.
Program Details
| Name of program | Africa AI Accelerator |
|---|---|
| Program duration | 5 Months |
| Program start date | July 2020 |
| Program channel/venue | Remote / On-site |
| Number of participating startups | 11 |
| Countries of participating startups |
|
Selection Criteria
- Experienced business leader and entrepreneur
- A demonstrated passion for supporting new startups and entrepreneurs.
- A demonstrated success in respective careers with substantial expertise and experience in industries or careers of operation.
- A minimum of 5 years business/work experience.
- Availability to dedicate 3-6 hours per week to a mandatory mentorship session and be available to support assigned entrepreneurs throughout the 5-month program period.
- Availability to participate in feedback sessions and evaluation surveys.
Roles Of Business Consultant
- Support the assigned startups to deliver on all business development targets during the accelerator
- Support the startups to refine their Business Model, Growth Strategy, Market insights, internal control manuals and investment readiness documentation.
- Provide information, guidance and constructive comments to the startups in the process
- Evaluate the startup’s plans and documentations, and provide feedback
- Maintain confidentiality
Why You Should Be A Consultant
- Opportunity to be a part of a pan-African AI Accelerator program.
- Become a part of the success story of Africa’s next big AI startups.
- Contribute towards the development of AI solutions in Africa.
How To Apply
Interested Business Development Consultants should click here to apply.