Senegalese mobile payments and digital services aggregator In Touch has been selected as a standout “nominee” in the US round of global acceleration programme BigBooster, with only 10 startups from around the world awarded the title.
Disrupt Africa reported the international non-profit Big Booster acceleration programme targets startups in bio and health, informative tech and global impact, and looks to empower businesses to cross borders and go global.
The programme saw 92 international early-stage startups – including 16 from Africa – selected to take part in an intensive “Booster Camp”, in Lyon, France; following which 20 startups – only one from Africa – progressing to the Boston, US-based round of the programme.
The 20 startups have now concluded the week-long intensive Booster Camp in Boston, during which the startups worked with local industry experts and innovation players to learn about the Boston ecosystem and make connections. The Camp aimed to prepare and support the startups for international expansion to markets such as Boston.
“I am thrilled that international entrepreneurs are not only coming to Boston to share innovation ecosystems, but to also highlight and collaborate on sustainability, culture, education and tourism stewardship,” said Boston Mayor, Martin Walsh.
At the end of the week, 10 “nominees” were distinguished for their exceptional progress and potential over the course of the accelerator programme to date. Senegal’s In Touch was one of the 10 nominees awarded.
“We are proud to be among the selected startups as US nominees following an intense week of work here in Boston. In Touch keeps growing and expands beyond the African continent,” says Omar Cissé, chief executive officer (CEO) at In Touch.
The 20 finalists will next meet in Lyon, France in April, for the finals of the programme where three startups will be crowned winners.
