On September 12, Kigali will be in the spotlight as one of 36 Tech City Hubs around the world that are hosting regional international Startup World competitions.
Hosted in Rwanda by Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), under patronage of the Ministry of Youth and ICT, Startup World is an international initiative to promote early stage businesses, entrepreneurship and technology through a global competition to celebrate the world’s most innovative startups.
As a competition hub, Africa is the new hotbed for innovation and Rwanda is a leader in recognizing the need to support new ideas, young innovators and advanced information and communications technology.
Kigali is one of the four cities in Africa that were selected to host this competition this appreciating the government’s commitment to develop ICT as pivotal sector in development of the nation.
Entrepreneurs, innovators and early stage business leaders are encouraged to submit their applications to www.starupworld.com before August 31.
Applications will be screened and 10 finalists will compete by delivering their business “pitches” on September 12, at Lemigo Hotel, Kimihurura before a panel of Rwandan experts.
The national winner will be sponsored to travel to Silicon Valley in the USA for a showdown of finalists in January 2013.
The “pitch” competition event is open to the public but we are inviting particularly technology students and professionals.
In addition to the pitching of the 10 runner ups, the event will be a great networking event bringing together as financial institutions and venture firms will be represented.
We have 100 free seats open, and interested persons are invited to sign up for participation by sending an email tostartupworldkigali@dotrust.org
VioletteUwamutara, Country Director of DOT Rwanda, says “Through the DOT ReachUp! and StartUp! we have met and helped develop hundreds of young Rwandan women and men who are budding entrepreneurs and business leaders with brilliant ideas.
Events like Startup World are so important to celebrate new ideas and show the world the innovation leadership of young Africans and the transformation of Rwanda as a knowledge based economy.”
As a Startup World host,DOT Rwanda is doing its part in transforming young Rwandans to be leaders of change in their communities as they introduce technology, 21st century workforce skills and business principles to thousands of their peers in communities throughout the country.
In partnership with government ministries and with the support of The MasterCard Foundation and the Canadian International Development Agency, DOT Rwanda is on track to reach 30,000 young Rwandans by 2013 – a new force of growth for the Rwandan economy.
Quote Alex Ntare, Director of the ICT Chamber in the Private Sector Federation, says “This is an awesome opportunity for Rwanda to showcase its commitment to building ICT in Africa through homegrown innovative solutions.”
Our parents have made sacrifices to give us this education, its only right that we give back to our country” he adds.
Quote Didier, Nkurikiyimfura, Director of ICT, MYICT…..
The ICT Chambers at the Private Sector Federation and the Rwanda Development Board are organizing partners of the Startup World Kigali event.
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