The Opportunity
Africa is on the brink of an AI revolution. To harness this potential and drive inclusive and responsible growth, a unified effort focusing on data, compute, and talent is essential. The private sector, including AI/tech startups and global companies, can play a critical role in closing gaps in these areas.
The AI Hub for Sustainable Development Co-Design: Startup Acceleration Pilot
Running from September to October 2024, this pilot programme aims to foster innovation and partnerships in data, compute, and talent pipelines—the three critical pillars of local AI ecosystems in Africa. Selected startups will participate in an ecosystem-building event hosted by INNOVIT and the Italian G7 Presidency in San Francisco, California, USA, on 12 – 14 November 2024, where they can showcase their solutions, attract investment, and network with Silicon Valley AI leaders.
PHASE 1: APPLICATION PHASE
PHASES |
DATES IN 2024 |
ITEM |
|---|---|---|
| Open Call | 19 Jul – 5 Aug | Global Call for Applications |
| Selection | 5 Aug – 15 Aug | Selection Process |
| Notification | 15 Aug | Notify Applicants |
PHASE 2: PREPARATORY PHASE FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS |
||
| Prep Period | 1 Sep – 15 Oct | Prep Programme |
PHASE 3: SAN FRANCISCO EVENT
|
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| San Francisco Days |
8 Nov – 15 Nov | Global Networking |
| Demo | 11 Nov – 13 Nov | Demo Days |
PHASE 4: ONGOING SUPPORT |
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| Mentorship | Mentorship and Skill Enhancement | |
| Ongoing Support and access to an alumni network and webinars | ||
Application Process
The Call for Applications will run from 19 July to 5 August 2024. Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form addressing eligibility, project details, and motivation.
- A concise company profile document (maximum 2 pages), providing an overview of the startup(s), mission, and key team members
- A PDF or PowerPoint pitch deck (maximum 15 slides) detailing the AI solution, its impact, and vision for growth.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: All materials must be submitted by 5 August 2024, 11:59 UTC+3.
Selection Process
A committee of stakeholders will evaluate applications based on eligibility criteria and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants must:
- Be based in one of the nine pilot countries outlined in the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan: Algeria, Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Côte D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, or Tunisia.
- Develop or be aspiring to develop AI solutions addressing one or more SDGs, focusing on Education and Training, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Water, and Infrastructure (both physical and digital).
- Contribute to the AI Hub’s pillars:
- Compute distribution and affordability
- Talent development and orchestration
- Data quality, accessibility, and digitization
- Commit to responsible and sustainable AI development and deployment practices.
- Have professional-level proficiency in English (required for at least one team member, who will also be expected to participate in the in-person activities of the programme).
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
We encourage joint applications from startups collaborating on projects with research organizations, private sector organizations, universities, or accelerator networks that meet the programme’s criteria.
For more information, visit the website. If you have questions, email digital.support@undp.org.