Accenture in hunt for Africa’s top 30 tech startups, here’s how you can apply

In a newly launched initiative, management consulting and professional services firm Accenture is on the hunt for Africa’s top 30 tech startups.

In a post on its Facebook page earlier this month, the firm said it is looking for digital pioneers who are solving critical challenges facing the continent with technology.

“It’s a search for Africa’s big thinkers and big doers — visionaries who fearlessly push the boundaries of progress to shift African innovation to the next level,” the firm added, urging tech entrepreneurs who are using innovation to change lives in their communities to apply.

The 30 selected startups or Tech Firestarters will join the global Accenture Open Innovation network

Startups must be founded by Africans and must be innovatively solving problems in business, government and civil society. In addition, applicants must be registered businesses that are less than nine years old. Those interested have until 7 October to submit entries.

A diverse panel comprising of academics, corporate sector specialists and representatives from the innovation ecosystem will select the 30 winners or Tech Firestarters.

As part of the initiative, Accenture will release a study, based on survey findings,  that will identify success factors for African startups.

The 30 Firestarters will join the global Accenture Open Innovation network which will allow the startups to be considered for other opportunities across the globe through Accenture.

In addition, the winners will also participate in an Accenture-led corporate market access week in Johannesburg, where they will be exposed to pitching techniques, client co-creation sessions and speed dates.

Other benefits for the winning startups include:

• Invitations to attend Accenture-led client workshops to co-create and pitch with the firm’s project teams.
• The opportunity to house their tech innovations in the Accenture Liquid Studio in Johannesburg, where the firm host multiple corporate workshops per week.
• An opportunity to network with corporates and key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the exclusive awards dinner in Johannesburg in February

Featured image: Accenture in South Africa via Facebook