UNDP Timbuktoo GreenTech Energy Accelerator Programme 2024 for young African Innovators

Sep 27, 2024

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The Timbuktoo Greentech Hub’s Energy Accelerator Program invites applications for renewable energy technologies that offer sustainable, accessible, and decentralized solutions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy security for African communities.

The program’s goal is to encourage startups to develop game-changing solutions in renewable energy generation, storage, access, and energy efficiency that are tailored to African needs in order to address Africa’s pressing challenges and build a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Eligibility

Groundbreaking founders and innovators across Africa who are already building startups that meet the following criteria:

Startups with founders who are nationals of an African Country.
Startups must be legally registered and operating within Africa.
Startups must have been in operation for a minimum of three years.
Startups must address development challenges.
Must be a technology-enabled solution.
Startups must have a Minimum Viable Solution (MVS) (regulated and licensed if necessary).
Startups should have existing corporate governance systems and accountability.

This application is limited to citizens of the African Union Member States.

Benefits

Membership in the inaugural cohort of timbuktoo GreenTech Hub and entire timbuktoo ecosystem across Africa.
Mentorship from industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Access to technical experts and mentors for product development support.
Access to regulatory sandbox to prototype and commercialize solutions within Kenya’s vibrant smart city.
Access to blended financing options for enterprise growth and scale.
Networking with potential partners, collaborators, and customers.
Access to investor networks.
Resources and support to accelerate growth and impact.
Access to networks and agencies within the larger UN system.
Access to networks and resources within the AfCTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) system.
Impact and shape a pan-African Greentech evolution.
Access to equity-free funding to support the startups’ growth.

Criteria

The timbuktoo Greentech hub aims to support innovative growth stage enterprises that meet the following key criteria:

Technology-Enabled Solution: Your startup must have a technology-enabled solution at its core, utilising digital tools and platforms to drive innovation and efficiency in the financial sector.
Contribution Towards the SDGs: Your solution should align with and contribute towards one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and more.
High Scalability: Your startup should demonstrate high scalability either through digital distribution channels or the ability to scale sales rapidly across markets.
Defensible Position: Your startup should have a defensible position, whether through Intellectual Property (IP) rights, network effects, domain expertise, or regional market dominance, ensuring sustainable competitive advantage in the Greentech landscape.
Innovation and uniqueness: Novel approach to solving energy challenges, potential for disruptive impact in the renewable energy sector.
Technical feasibility: Sound scientific/technical basis for the solution, realistic development timeline.
Regulatory compliance: Awareness of relevant energy regulations, strategy for obtaining necessary approvals.

Programme Timeline: