The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy.
The goal of this year’s challenge is to find and support outstanding AgriTech entrepreneurs who are addressing important agricultural issues in West Africa.
In the fast-evolving area of AgriTech, innovation needs favorable conditions to thrive.
Though many African business owners have big ideas, they frequently struggle to get the networks and resources they need to make their ideas a reality.
By giving companies the chance to “Find Their Soil” through vital support, funding, and mentoring, MAC 2024 aims to close that gap.
“‘Find Your Soil’ is a call to action for AgriTech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor, MEST Africa.
MEST Africa is dedicated to using software entrepreneurship to promote economic growth and the creation of jobs throughout the continent.
Through the provision of specialized tech-entrepreneurship training and investment possibilities, this organization enables the most brilliant minds in Africa to create and grow meaningful enterprises.
Startups from important West African markets, such as Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo, are welcome to apply for the MEST Africa Challenge 2024, which is focused on the AgriTech industry.
In addition to accessing MEST’s vast global network and earning $50,000 in equity capital, the winning firm will also gain crucial collaborations, mentorship, and investment opportunities to propel its global presence and growth.
Since its founding, MEST has committed more than $30 million to educating over 2,000 entrepreneurs and has assisted in the establishment of 90 early-stage technology companies in industries such as FinTech, AgriTech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare.
Eligibility Criteria for MEST Africa Challenge 2024:
- Early-stage technology startup
- Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5k
- Funding raised: $0 to $1M cumulative
- Years in existence: 3 years and below
- Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue
- Founding team: At least 2 founding team members
- Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)
- Any industry
- Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc…)
- All participants must pitch in English
Application closes October 4, 2024.
To apply or for more information, visit the website.
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