Mentors at East African accelerator SPRING are already “proud and excited” at the innovative applications of technology produced by the inaugural accelerator cohort, following the launch of the programme last week.
The inaugural East African SPRING accelerator focuses on startups using technology to achieve the economic empowerment of adolescent girls in developing countries.
Disrupt Africa reported last week SPRING announced the 18 startups selected to participate in the accelerator programme, which begins with a two-week bootcamp, followed by a nine-month incubation period.
The bootcamp kicked off on June 28, and will involve two-weeks of immersive mentor-led workshops aimed at developing strategies to scale each participating startup.
According to Carter Millican, one of the bootcamp mentors, the programme organisers are already impressed by the innovative uses of technology being displayed by the entrepreneurs.
“Bootcamp is showing us just how innovative entrepreneurs can be when it comes to making use of technology to power their businesses and reach girls’ needs more effectively,” Millican said.
“With all of [the participants], the entrepreneurs have seen an underlying issue–whether it be lack of access to safe banking, poor health, or lack of mobility–and have deployed smart and simple technology solutions to address them. We’re incredibly proud of and excited by the innovation and creativity we’re seeing.”
Following the two-week bootcamp, the startups will take part in eight weeks of prototyping, culminating in a pitch camp to report progress. Each business will then go through six months of implementation with support from the SPRING team.
At the end of the programme the startups will return to Nairobi to pitch their investment-ready products and services to global investors and business leaders.
