The Open Innovation Program – All You Need To Know

The Open Innovation Program is an opportunity for early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs in Uganda to take their technology-driven solutions to the next level. The program is implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with Make-IT in Africa, a project by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

The Open Innovation Program is focused on bridging the gap between private and public sector needs and innovators/start-ups providing customized solutions in the areas of Smart Cities.  

The program is designed to refine smart city ideas or solutions from startups, potentially establish long-term partnerships between startups and relevant partners, and set the startups up for success through personalized venture development and business modelling. 

The program will focus on two key smart city core thematic categories: mobility and transport, infrastructure and property technology, and an open category.  

Through the program, participants will get access to partners, coaching and mentorship, learning workshops, investor meetings, and a community of awesome entrepreneurs. 

The Open Innovation Program offers a unique opportunity for handpicked participants to access a range of esteemed partners, including Jumia, Housing Finance Bank, KaCyber, NITA Uganda and the E-trade association. Through collaboration with these partners, startups will receive invaluable assistance in refining their innovative ideas and solutions.  

In fact, if a partner is particularly impressed with a startup’s solution, there is potential to establish a long-term partnership, with both parties working together to advance the solution to a stage where it can be successfully introduced to the market. By doing so, the program aims to tackle a significant challenge and bring Uganda one step closer to realizing its vision of smart cities. 

To apply for the Open Innovation Program; 

• you must be working on a smart city solution in Uganda, and at least having a minimum viable product (MVP).  
• You must address at least one smart city problem statement and be open to co-create and potentially pivot.  
• You must also be in teams with a minimum of two people, with founders working full-time on the startup, at least 20 hours per week.  
• Finally, all participants MUST be fluent in the English Language. 

The application period for the program opened on 11th April 2023 and will close on 4th May 2023.  

If you meet the eligibility requirements, visit www.starthubafrica.org/openinnovation/ to submit your application.