Description

The CiviConnectors program is building a support infrastructure for innovative entrepreneurial ideas in the Egyptian CivicTech sector.

• The first component is to build a collaborative network of stakeholders across all levels in the tech ecosystem that encompasses startups, technology experts, academic researchers, corporate professionals, and public sector representatives, who are committed to improving the quality of life for people living in Egypt.

• The second component is to provide direct financial support, training, mentoring, and market access to tech-enabled startups to develop citizen-centric solutions that can enhance the engagement of Egyptian citizens with digital public services and create a seamless experience.

Target group

CiviConnectors targets teams of innovators and techies who have innovative ideas that can be marketed commercially to improve the quality of life for people living in Egypt.

To qualify for the program, your team should consist of at least two people and up to five individuals who:

• Are currently enrolled in a program of an Egyptian university

• Graduated from an Egyptian university within the last seven years

• Graduated from an internationally recognized university outside Egypt within the last seven years

and present a business idea that:

• Has already been formalized through founding a startup

• Has the potential for immediate business formation

• Is focused on and (to be) based in Egypt

• Has a clear relevance to one or more public sector challenges

In order to qualify for the CiviConnectors program, your team should have an existing prototype for a digital solution that:

• Is tackling one of the focus challenges directly or indirectly

• can be presented in a medium, high-fidelity, or working simulation

• Is innovative or disruptive characteristics that do not exist in the market

• Has the potential to be scaled-up and marketed commercially

• The potential to generate social and economic impact, such as improving citizens’ lives and/ or enhancing citizen engagement

Teams with a female majority and applicants whose idea has significant potential to create sustainable social, economic and/or ecological impact are given priority in the selection process.

Eligibility criteria

For the team lead to be eligible for the program, the following criteria must be met:

• The project lead fulfills a key role in the project

• If a business has been formed, the project lead has power of attorney for the business

• Legally resides in Egypt

• Is entitled to gainful employment in Egypt

• Has an entrepreneurial mindset

• Is available to commit to developing and commercializing their solution (minimum 10h per week during the duration of the 6-month program)

In order to qualify for the program, the teams must conceptualize an idea for a viable solution that:

• Has innovative or disruptive characteristics that do not currently exist in the market

• Has the potential to be prototyped, scaled up, and marketed commercially

• The solution has been validated through a prototype and/or has already been formalized through founding a startup (founded after 2010)

• The solution is focused on and (to be) based in Egypt

• Presents a digital solution for the announced challenge

Deadline

March 10th, 2024

Find application form here