The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the opening of the application process for the Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria Program (B2MC).
Hadiza Umar, the agency’s head of corporate affairs and external relations, said in a statement she signed in Abuja on Tuesday.
It should be recalled that early this year, NITDA signed a partnership agreement with MassChallege, a global network of startup accelerators with no equity capital.
The partnership aimed to boost economic vitality and job creation in Nigeria by fostering entrepreneurial activity and supporting entrepreneurs in developing and implementing breakthrough ideas, digital technologies and discoveries.
Umar said the start of the application process followed a stakeholder engagement with key players in the ecosystem, including government, academia, entrepreneurs, business organizations, the media and influencers.
Speaking at the official launch of the application process, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, said a vibrant startup ecosystem is critical to Nigeria’s future and vital for finding solutions to the country’s many challenges.
“Innovation is a prominent way to create wealth for all and lift countries out of poverty.
“NITDA and MassChallenge have continued to work together in this new initiative to foster the growth and success of the country’s startup ecosystem in line with the vision of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria,” he said.
Siobhan Dullea, CEO of MassChallenge, also said in the statement: “MassChallenge is pleased to partner with NITDA to help entrepreneurs in Nigeria grow locally while having access to MassChallenge’s global network.
“We look forward to working with NITDA to continue to support and grow the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.”
Umar said interested applicants and those wishing to learn more about the program were encouraged to visit the B2MC Nigeria website.
She said applications for the B2MC Nigeria program would close on September 24.
She added that the application was open to entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level, while early-stage and growing startups from across the country working on innovative solutions from every industry were encouraged to apply.
“Successful applicants will participate in an intensive four-month program that includes both online and in-person sharing where startups develop and implement project plans to advance their localization journeys.
“They will also receive tailored mentoring and coaching provided by NITDA and other local mentors, local and global mentors from the MassChallenge network and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Umar said.
MassChallenge is a global network of equity startup accelerators headquartered in the US
MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting promising startups in all sectors, around the world.
