Emmanuel OchayiIn a move, Co-creation Hub (Cc Hub), the tech innovation center, has unveiled plans to inject $700,000 into Edo State’s burgeoning tech startup landscape.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and co-founder of Cc Hub, stated, “We are offering investment support to 50 startups through two programs – the Inclusion-Focused Support and the Innovation Challenge Program.”
Under these programs, 30 startups are set to receive $10,000 each, while an additional 20 startups will be granted $20,000 each. Cc Hub, in collaboration with the Edo State Government and with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to propel the growth of technology-driven enterprises within the state.
“We envision strengthening the foundation of Edo State’s digital solutions ecosystem,” remarked the Minister, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the government.
The Inclusion-Focused Support Program targets startups with underrepresented founders, particularly women, offering $10,000 for growth and innovation to 30 selected startups.
Simultaneously, the Innovation Challenge Program extends $20,000 to 20 startups with innovative ideas and products showing market potential. The deadline for applications is 12 February 2024, signaling a call for tech startups in Edo State to seize this opportunity.
Back in 2022, the Edo State government had reported a surge in tech startups and entrepreneurial activities, positioning the state to become a leading startup ecosystem in Africa. Cc Hub’s latest investment initiative aligns with this trajectory, further propelling Edo State into the spotlight of Africa’s thriving startup ecosystem, ready to contribute to the $6.6bn industry.
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