GIZ Accelerator Program for Climate Change Innovations

Deadline: 25 March 2022
Open to: climate-focused technology startups
Benefits: 10.000 euro in grant funding, mentorship and technical project support, and other benefits

DESCRIPTION

The GIZ Accelerator program for Climate Change Innovations is looking for early-stage companies in Benin, Cameroon, and Niger that deliver digital solutions to combat climate change. Companies should be able to demonstrate at least a proof of concept, a prototype and first traction in the market. In each of the three countries, a maximum of three early-stage companies will be selected to join the program, making a cohort of nine companies in total. After a needs assessment, these companies will receive tailor-made technical support, coordinated by our in-country partners Etrilabs (Benin), ActivSpaces (Cameroon), and CIPMEN (Niger).

ELIGIBILITY

This program is open to climate-focused technology startups meeting the following criteria:

Officially incorporated, registered with the local chamber of commerce in the country or in the process of being registered
Delivering a technology and/or digital solution to accelerate the deployment of climate solutions at scale
Existing solution on the market (at least proof of concept, minimum viable product) on one of the selected themes which has the capacity to scale
The product or service attracts its first customers and shows initial interest from clients (BtoB or BtoC) or investors/donors
Founder and its core team members must be available and committed to join all program elements (including monitoring and evaluation questionnaires)
At least one of the founders is originated from Benin, Cameroon, Niger
Although this is not a selection criteria, attention will be given to teams committed to promote diversity and inclusion in their venture

BENEFITS

The major component of this program will be the mentorship and technical project support with
- The involvement of an experienced business mentor for a period of 6 months
- Learning best practices from business experts to grow your business and your team
The selected companies will be exposed to corporate partners and investors to attract potential business opportunities and investments
Collaboration with the in-country GIZ’s Digital Transformation Centers will help the founders to further grow their business and scale at local and regional levels
Finalists will have ample opportunities to network with local and regional startup founders
During a closing program event, 10.000 euro in grant funding will be shared across the 3 finalists per country