JP Morgan, in collaboration with Tshimologong Precinct, has launched Africa Rising 4.0, an incubation programme aimed at powering digital entrepreneurship and early stage startup growth in Johannesburg. This 12-week intensive incubation programme is designed to coach the disciplines of entrepreneurship, while also building innovative digital businesses.
Shaun Randles, Enterprise Development Manager, Tshimologong Precinct, says the programme is dedicated to coaching digital entrepreneurs and technology companies at startup and early stage: “We are providing a platform to coach startups and to also introduce them to local and global technology entrepreneurs as mentors. In doing this together with JP Morgan, we are aiming to assist in developing basic and functional technology programmes and skills that deliver tangible value to early adopters.”
He says that Africa Rising 4.0 will benefit from Tshimologong Precinct’s vast, combined network, which will assist founders and early stage technology companies to inject life into their startups.
15 startups will be selected for the incubator programme and will receive advice from established entrepreneurs. The curriculum will be custom-designed to suit the various business entities participating in the programme. Masterclasses will be themed on topical and relevant issues facing the startups addressing trending digital technologies such as blockchain, digital marketing and women in technology. In addition, there will be hands-on support from experts dedicated to helping founders and early stage entrepreneurs.
Those interested in participating need a valid proof of concept (POC) with a mock-up or video presentation. The POC also needs to provide evidence that it can create value for customers and is a product or service that is in demand. One way to show this is through having an existing digital marketing footprint and online presence.
Applicants need to be older than 35 with a BEE profile and come from a low-income household. It must be evident that the idea requires digital development that focuses on hardware, software, content, including games, apps or animation.
Applications for Africa Rising 4.0 open on the 9th April 2018. For more information, contact http://startup.tshimologong.joburg/
About Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct
Setswana for “new beginnings”, Tshimologong is Johannesburg’s newest high-tech address in the vibrant inner-city district of Braamfontein, where the incubation of start-ups, the commercialisation of research and the development of high-level digital skills for students, working professionals and unemployed youths takes place. The Precinct was launched in September 2016 with support from major companies including Microsoft, Cisco, Datacentrix, Telkom, ACSA and MMI. Gauteng Province through its Department of E-Government and the City of Johannesburg have also provided significant support. The Precinct also houses the prestigious IBM Research’s Lab Africa – one of only 12 such facilities in the world. Website: www.tshimologong.joburg