Photo: Team Cyan Girls at the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals in New York, July 9, 2011.
A key of ushering in the new era of innovation in the Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Turkey regions is to promote most creative ideas from entrepreneurs. GIST is implementing a regional competition that encourages applicants to develop innovative solutions for problems critical to economic development.
GIST invites all eligible participants from West Africa (see a map of eligible countries) to participate in its annual “GIST Tech-I” Competition. This competition is designed to encourage technology entrepreneurs to launch and/or grow a company in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Turkey through:
1) Funding
2) Training and mentorship with successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists;
3) Networking opportunities;
4) U.S. visits for up to 5 companies to establish direct connection with potential investors and partners.
Submit a ‘Go-To-Market Plan’ (Executive Summary & a 2-Minute Video Pitch) and mobilize your networks for public voting. There are a number of awards up for grabs (the winner will take home USD 25.000) and entrepreneurs can visit the website to find details for the application process.
About GIST:
The Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) initiative forges links at the individual and institutional levels among technology entrepreneurs, angel investors, and the marketplace to improve quality of life through economic prosperity.
The GIST initiative builds entrepreneurial ecosystems in 43 countries across the Middle East, Central and South East Asia, and Africa by identifying, coaching, and funding the most promising entrepreneurs through its competitions, start-up acceleration services, online social media platform and interactive mentorship programs. The GIST Initiative is implemented by CRDF Global and funded by the U.S. Department of State.