The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) has opened applications to Ghanaians, Nigerians and Kenyans for its one-year, fully sponsored training programme in software development and business development.
The company said it is looking for the next wave of tech entrepreneurs, having already trained over 200 and invested US$15 million in supporting software startups.
MEST has been plotting expansion recently, having accepted Kenyan entrepreneurs into its programme for the first time last year. It is launching in South Africa this year, and planning to set up physical spaces across Africa.
Its 12-month training programme is its bread and butter, with companies that have previously taken part having competed in global technology events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, DEMO, and the Launch Festival, and gained admittance to accelerator programmes such as HealthXL and 500 Startups.
The programme is focused on market-oriented software development and practical entrepreneurship training at MEST’s Accra-based campus. Successful applicants receive training and access to seed funding, access to global markets, and mentoring and coaching from executives from a variety of global software companies, as well as flights, housing, meals and a monthly stipend.
Applicants must have a deep passion to start a software company, between three and five years entrepreneurial or corporate work experience, a degree in any field, and be able to commit to one year in Accra from September. Applications are open until March 31.