PeaceTech Accelerator looking for more startups for its next cohorts

PeaceTech Accelerator, a Washington DC based cloud innovation centre and scale-up programme devoted to peace technology, is looking for more participants for its next cohort starting on 8 September with the third planned for January next year.

PeaceTech Accelerator was launched earlier this year by tech investment firm C5 Accelerate and PeaceTech Lab , a peace building non-profit, in collaboration with cloud computing service provider, Amazon Web Services, and has since graduated its first cohort.

It runs eight week programmes for companies and non-profit organisations involved in the development of innovative technologies that promote peace and build stronger, safer societies.

Dimitra Hatzudis, external relations coordinator at C5 Accelerate, said the accelerator is looking for social impact technology startups with applications that seek to promote peace and stability.

“Startups are selected based on their ability to produce innovative technologies that manage, mitigate, predict or prevent conflict and promote sustainable peace. In particular, we are interested in businesses and not for profits that tackle our seven core innovation themes. As we graduate more cohorts we look forward to tracking the great impact they have in these fields,” explained Hatzudis.

She said the accelerator is aiming to enroll between eight and 10 companies for its second cohort, which begins on 8 September. Applications close on 8 August. A third cohort is planned for January next year she added.

PeaceTech Accelerator cohort 1 included two African startups

Applications are open to seed-funded companies and registered non-profits with more than $50,000 in revenue. Although applications for future cohorts are accepted on a rolling basis, interested applicants looking to participate in the next cohort can apply through F6S and get more information here.

Applicants are expected to cover their own travel expenses, accommodation and visas.

Hatzudis said the accelerator offers companies a convertible loan of $15,000. Cohorts also receive free working space for the duration of the eight-week programme at the headquarters of the US Institute of Peace, located on the National Mall in Washington DC.

Mentorship and training is focused on cloud technology, with the ultimate goal being to help applicants scale rapidly and sustainably. PeaceTech cohort one participants from Africa include a South Sudanese games developer Junub Games and South African music streaming startup Nichestreem.

Read more: Music streaming startup NicheStreem selected for US accelerator

Catherine Lückhoff, CEO of SA startups Nichestreem, said participation in the accelerator programme helped boost the company’s access to the US market.

“The calibre of mentors were exceptionally high and they were all very willing to make relevant and strategic introductions for the NicheStreem team,” said Lückhoff.

She said her company was also fortunate to have direct access to top solution architects and business executives at Amazon Web Services. “As a tech company who hosts on AWS, this access to smart, knowledgeable mentors was invaluable,” she added.

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