Ahead of the third edition of the TotalEnergiesStartupper Challenge, Dreams Hub, Tech, Research and Innovation Center, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, member of Afrilabs, the largest network organisation of 320 innovation centres across 51 African countries announces that it has partnered with TotalEnergies for this edition.
The Startupper Challenge by TotalEnergies aims to identify, reward and support the best business creation projects, existing or still in ideation stage. The third edition focus specifically on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as on female entrepreneurship.
Such partnerships are the flagship of the Group’s research and development (R&D) and have a positive impact on a wide range of expertise: from product ideation, designing, energy transition. As part of a the agreement, Dreams Hub will provide trainings in various forms for applicants, and incubate the laureates. The Startupper Challenge is set to commence this month with calls for applications from Equatoguineans across the country.
Speaking on the partnership, Project and Programs Manager at Dreams Hub, Ivan Somo Bita Dougan, says challenges like this are what the ecosystem needs.
‘’To start with, TotalEnergies must be commended for their support and dedication to supporting businesses and startups in Equatorial Guinea. The objective is to ensure that the ideas and existing businesses who will participate, compete and emerge winners are thriving years from now and with our partnership, this one of the things we seek to achieve. The ecosystem in Equatorial Guinea needs more support, investments and mentoring. Global businesses can be built right from here and the Startupper Challenge is an opportunity to take us closer to Equatorial Guinean entrepreneurs, techies being able to successfully compete globally.’’
Speaking further on the impact this could have, Ivan Dougan said, ‘’this has the ability to make a huge difference and inspire a spirit of entrepreneurship, investments and to grow the ecosystem and digital economy. The Founders that will participate have the ability to make impact at all levels. At every stage of the Startupper Challenge, a learning opportunity presents itself and that is invaluable to us all. We will be seeing the creation of valuable businesses, imbibing a culture of investing and sustainability in the future,’’ he concluded.
As the launch date nears in Malabo, prospective applicants are encouraged to write their business plans, prepare their pitch decks and get ready for the third edition of the TotalEnergiesStartupper Challenge. Founder and Managing Director, Dreams Hub, Oscar A. Nchaso Bekari, told spoke to Africanian News of how this is a direction that positions entrepreneurs for more funding, access and exposure.
‘’One challenge that entrepreneurs constantly face is access to funds, exposure and mentoring but all that is changing. With this partnership, we will bridge that gap and more. With our team and comprehensive plan for the Startupper Challenge, we are working on making this edition a turning point in the ecosystem and a reference for years to come. This is for all of us. The long-term success of the eventual winners is our duty,’’ he said.
On exposure, Oscar Nchaso said, ‘’We have a new fellowship starting next year for entrepreneurs, developers and other tech related roles, where people in our industry get to benefit amongst many things, an exchange program with other hubs and organisations globally and at the appropriate time, we will share more on that,’’ he concluded.
The TotalEnergies Startupper Challenge will run from November to April 2022.