The leading emerging-market startup community Seedstars has partnered with Mada, a non-profit organisation that works in ICT, to empower people with disabilities and the elderly by seeking out tech-based ventures from around the world with accessibility solutions that will improve lives and provide quality education and access to tourism, transport, retail and sport.
Applications are accepted until October 18. Any seed-stage startup with a clear innovative component that is tech-enabled is welcome to apply! The company must be less than four years old and be able to demonstrate the product or service.
During the screening process 10 to 20 of the most promising ventures will then be selected based on their industry and region. At this stage the applicants will be analysed for their market size, competitive edge, traction, customers and the quality of the team.
Alisée de Tonnac, co-founder of Seedstars, explains: “We are thrilled to collaborate with organisations such as Mada that are operating in the field of accessibility and promoting education, culture and community. We believe this is a necessary step towards promoting digital inclusion and further building a tech-based community that meets the needs of persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Four startups will be chosen to participate at the Seedstars MENA Summit in Casablanca, Morocco, in December 2019, where they will be assessed for the final stage of the competition, which will take place at the Seedstars Global Summit in Switzerland in April 2020. The winning startup will be announced at this event and will receive the ICT Accessibility Award and a prize of US$15 000 (about R229 003).
To apply for the ICT Accessibility Award by MADA and Seedstars, click here: https://mada.seedstars.com/.
I have been service provider to the department of transport and roads for the past eleven years. Can I apply to be part of this initiative?