#Startups in #Nigeria, #Ghana can now Apply for FbStart Accelerator Programme

After about a month of graduating its first ever set of startups, Facebook in partnership with Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) has opened up applications for the 2nd cohort of the FbStart Accelerator Programme.

The Facebook-backed accelerator is part of NG_HUB – an innovation hub launched in May last year, the product of a partnership between the social media giant, Facebook and Nigeria’s CcHub.

With its slogan: Crazy Ideas are Allowed, the hub fosters the innovative use of technology to solve everyday problems. It does this through its support programs, one of which is the FbStart Accelerator.

Last year, the accelerator accepted 15 startup and student teams who have all gone on to cumulatively raise $400,000+ in investments and grants.

For its second season, very much like the first, the program is open to startups building solutions that leverage advanced technologies – AI, IoT, Data Science and Extended Reality, in Nigeria and Ghana.

“We’re delighted to be bringing back the FbStart Accelerator programme to Nigeria for the second year, and now expanding this to applicants from Ghana. Given our passion for connecting people and helping developers and entrepreneurs to thrive, we can’t wait to see how this year’s cohort develop and build solutions and technology to engage and empower people across Nigeria, Ghana and potentially the continent.”Kendra Nnachi, Startups and Developer Programs Manager at Facebook.

This second cohort will be made up of 12 student and startup teams. These teams would be part of the programme in 2 ways –

• Onsite – for Startup teams who would be physically present at NG_HUB.
• Offsite – For student teams in their different schools. It will allow them to work out of the accelerators of other partner hubs.

The 12 selected teams will also receive up to $20,000 in equity-funding, one-on-one mentorship from Facebook and CcHUB, access to corporates, industry experts and $16,000 in product credits.

Like the last season, Facebook, CcHUB and partner hubs will hold roadshow events in 10 states across the country to enlightening students and entrepreneurs about deep-tech.

Applications are currently open until June 30th. Interested teams can click here to apply.