Facebook has
partnered with the Co-Creation Hub for the launch of FbStart
Accelerator programme in
Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.
The scheme, ITREALMS reports, is made up of 11
students and five Startup teams, the six-month bootcamp aims to aid innovative
and visionary teams in creating solutions with advanced technologies. The
research and mentorship-driven accelerator programme will provide the teams
with access to product and industry experts to gain valuable insight, as well
as deeper knowledge in how to optimize value driven products, and solutions
which leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Internet of Things
(IoT), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
The FbStart
Accelerator Programme, announced earlier this year during the opening of
Facebook's first hub space on the continent, NG_Hub, will be the focal point
for the bootcamp. Designed specifically for two categories of participants -
Students and Startups, the student teams will be provided with equity free
funding of between $5,000-$15,000, whilst having the option to work virtually
to transform their ideas or research into working prototypes. Startup teams
will be provided with $20,000 in equity free funding and like student teams
will have access to technical and business mentors from the Facebook and the
CcHUB network as well as free working space at NG_Hub.
Emeka Afigbo, Developer Programmes
Manager at Facebook
said “We believe technology provides expansive opportunities to engage young,
creative Nigerians, the use of cutting edge technologies as a basis show that
Africans can leverage leverage these technologies to build solutions that are
both locally and globally relevant. I'm excited to see how these teams will
develop and learn throughout their time with us, and ultimately what the will
build and create.”
Speaking on the
partnership with Facebook, Bosun Tijani, the co-founder Chief Executive Officer
of CcHub said that it is part of a commitment to developing the use of
technology in Nigeria, and at the same time empowering young Nigerians to
realise their dreams.
“There is no
denying that technology has a part to play on every facet of our lives, and
that is why we are deeply involved in training young Nigerians to rise up to
the challenges of building a technology driven society. Providing training,
mentorship and equity-free funding for the students and startups involved
further outlines our collective commitment and we're excited to see how they
will utilise advanced technologies to solve problems and build solutions for
the future of Nigeria and Africa.” he said.
Nenye Dom/GEE
Pix: L-R: Bosun Tijani, Founder & CEO, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB); Atoyebi Faith Toluwanimi; Tade Ajiboye, and Kendra Nnachi, Startup & Developer Manager, Facebook Nigeria at the launch of Facebook's FbStart Accelerator Programme in Nigeria in partnership with CcHub at Facebook's NG_Hub in Yaba, Lagos.
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