We invite innovators across the country to apply for the 5th Cohort of the 100+ Accelerator, to contribute towards addressing the world’s sustainability challenges. Entries close on June 30th. The program, an initiative of our parent company Ab InBev, will offer a pilot funding opportunity of up to US $100,000 (UGX 370M) to successful applicants whose business ideas provide innovative solutions to seven challenge areas.
These include climate action, inclusive growth, smart agriculture, biodiversity, the circular economy, water stewardship, and health & wellness. “The program offers size and scale to passionate entrepreneurs to help bring their solutions to market faster and to achieve the program’s mission: to accelerate the world’s shift towards sustainable solutions and to business the right way, not the easy way,” said Adu Rando, Managing Director NBL during the launch event at our offices in Luzira on Wednesday 24th . It was attended by the media, some start-up companies and former shortlisted participant Eco Plastile.
Started in 2018, the 100+ Accelerator has over the years focused on start-ups that have a product in the market or are prepared to go to market. It delivers 6 months of remote programming and training to accelerate the collaboration and growth of cohort companies in addition to a pilot/alliance with our partner companies.
Over the last three years, the program has accelerated 70 companies in over 20 countries with 3 implementing currently in Uganda in our Smart Agriculture programme; Banqu, Oko Finance & Agrifriend. Last year 35 Ugandan entrepreneurs applied and Eco Plastile reached the shortlist.
All applicants will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Scoring will be assessed based on the following values:
- Fit with identified sustainability challenges
- Ability to demonstrate traction/product-market fit
- Market expertise and team
- Capacity to carry out the pilot in the selected global zone