Accelerate Labs programs kicks off with opening sessions across six states

Accelerate Labs programs kicks off with opening sessions across six states

The opening sessions for Accelerate Labs, an initiative by The Future Project in partnership with Microsoft Nigeria to galvanize and boost youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria, was held across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria from 18 – 28, September, 2017.

Starting the eleven-week accelerator program for stream 1, 2017 at different zones in Abuja (North Central), Bauchi (North-East), Kaduna (North-West), Edo (South-South, Anambra (South-East) and Lagos (South-West), the events had in attendance industry leaders including Professor Adesoji Adesugba, Vice-President, ICT Abuja Chamber of Commerce; Bishop Feb Idahosa, President, Ben Idahosa University; Mr Femi Oye, Co-founder, SME Funds, among others.

“About 3,987 applications were received for the first stream of the sessions, with 150 participants selected per zone through our SME jury. We are excited to be part of their success stories and look forward to working with them to build competitive and viable businesses,” said Bukonla Adebakin, Deputy Chief Operating Officer. “This can fundamentally change the lives of many youths and reduce unemployment in the country as we gear towards entrepreneurship and drive inclusive economic growth and development.”

The opening session in the six geo-political regions concluded with the commencement of the 3 weeks taught session, mentorship, research classes and demo week for all participants of the Accelerate Labs project across regions.

“Microsoft Nigeria is proud to support this important initiative that brings together a diverse group of youth entrepreneurs entering the accelerator program,” said Olusola Amusan, Philanthropies Lead, Microsoft Nigeria. “Entrepreneurship has always played a critical role in development of countries and reduction of unemployment, we believe at the end of this program a significant positive impact will be made in our economy,” he added.

Photos from the opening sessions are below:

Bauchi (18)

Ugo Nwosu, GetJama addressing participants at Accelerate Labs

Edo (26)

Edo (9)

Anambra (15)

Kaduna (3)

Bauchi (19)

Anambra (8)

 

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