Applicants are not assessed based on education qualifications.

Applicants must have a digital innovation that contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas of Gender Equality, Environmental/Climate Action or EduTech. The digital innovation solution should also be operational & has been introduced to the market & its intended users. 

The Accelerator supports digital innovation start-ups who have been established and are entering growth stage. Applications should present a clear business case and feasible financial sustainability for its future/current revenue model. Applications that have potential for scale and significant replication to maximise impact will be highly favoured.

Start-ups that are led by women or youth innovators are highly encouraged to apply. 

The Accelerator programmes will be held in-person in the respective local countries. More information about venue and dates will be revealed in due time. Please be sure to select the correct countries in your application. 

 No. We take no equity in your company.

Applying to the Accelerator does not require you to provide information about your "start-up secrets" or intelligence. You are not required to disclose information about details of your proprietary technology.

However, the application will ask for information that demonstrates your business progress, funding status, and market opportunity. This information is critical to help us evaluate your fit for the Accelerator.

Accommodation and travel expenses are provided on a case-by-case basis. The Accelerator programme will take place in 5 countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, and Senegal. Applicants are encouraged to participate in the Accelerator in their home country.

Once you’ve submitted your application, the Innovation Factory jury team evaluates all applications based on a predefined set of eligibility criteria.

If your digital innovation and team fits the Accelerator eligibility requirements, we will be in touch with more information about the Accelerator programme in your local country. All applicants will be notified of their application results, whether successful or not.

Applicants who have not been short-listed to join the Accelerator programme would still receive an opportunity to have their digital innovations profiled on the Innovation Factory website. It's one way to get additional visibility on the international scene.  

Congratulations! You will then be invited to join the Digital Innovation Accelerator which will provide capacity building support, guidance in business model refinement, support to become investment ready, help in optimising SDG impacts, and develop a comprehensive business plan, all delivered through a dynamic peer-learning environment.