StartHub
LaunchPad
Supporting university students to bring their innovative ideas to life.
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StartHub
How it works
1. Apply
Fill the form and tell us about your idea. We can only accept 20 participants per university in the program.
2. Start
Go through the Launchpad Bootcamp at your university and get practical entrepreneurship skills in market research, business modelling, financial analysis, and marketing.
Start! 80% of our past participants got their first customers during the bootcamp.
3. Compete
Pitch your progress at the Pitch-Event of your university. The best innovators from each university will compete at the National Inter-University Pitch-Competition in November 2022 for a share of UGX 10,000,000.
Learn
What it takes to start and grow an innovative business. You will learn practical entrepreneurship skills in market research, business modelling, financial analysis, and marketing.
Win
Students with a promising idea and good progress during the training can qualify for access to funding of up to UGX 10,000,000.
Connect
Meet like-minded students and innovators, advance your career through networking opportunities and build a supportive community.
Frequent Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for the program?
Fill the form and tell us about your idea. We can only accept 20 participants per university in the program.
When is the bootcamp taking place?
Bootcamps will take place in the months of August, September, and October. The actual dates of the bootcamps vary from university to university. Be sure to check the actual dates in the application link.
What will I learn?
You will learn what it takes to start and grow an innovative business. We shall cover topics ranging from conducting market research, business modelling, financial analysis, strategic planning – all designed to enable you start by the end of the bootcamp
Which universities are eligible?
We are currently accepting applicants from Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Gulu University, Muni University, Kyambogo University, Busitema University, King Caesar University, Strathmore University, MOI University, University of Dar-Es-Salaam, and the International Leadership University in Burundi.
If your university is not included, you can still apply and choose others. We shall advise on the next steps.
Do I have to apply as an individual or as a group?
You can apply as a group or individual, but only one individual will represent the team at the bootcamp. However, everyone in the team can take part in the assignments from the bootcamp.
Where can I apply?
You can apply here https://starthubafrica.org/launchpad/ within the deadline stipulated for your university.
Who can apply?
This program is open to all university students, and recent graduates.
When is the deadline?
Application deadlines vary from university to university. Be sure to check out the application link to see what the deadline for your university is.
Will all ideas receive funding?
Only a few participants selected at the National Pitch Event will receive funding. However, all participants will learn how to finance their ideas through pitching to investors, friends, and family.
I don’t have an idea yet; can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply. We have programs that are suited to those without ideas as well. The programs will help you figure out what you are passionate about, what societal challenges you would love to contribute to solving through entrepreneurship.
Will I get feedback?
Within 24-48 hours of your application, we will have a dedicated support reach out to you on the next steps of the application. You will get feedback at each step of the process, and they will be your dedicated support throughout this journey.
Do I have to pay for the program?
Yes. Every participant pays a fee of UGX 25,000 only (Twenty-Five Thousand Uganda Shillings Only). This fee facilitates the running of the program. The return of investment for previous participants has always tremendously exceeded their expectations.