Total launches second edition of Startupper of the Year Challenge [Updated]

French oil and gas giant Total has launched the second edition of its Total Startupper of the Year Challenge in 37 countries across Africa.

The challenge — which was first launched in 2015 across 34 African countries and has now been extended to 55 countries around the world — aims to support ideas and projects that help address a widespread problem affecting communities in participating countries.

Applications for the 2018-2019 Total Startupper of the Year Challenge are set to close on 13 November.

The application deadline for the 2018-2019 Total Startupper of the Year Challenge is 13 November

As part of the challenge, three winners from each participating country will receive financial support, publicity and coaching. Total will also select six grand regional winners who will be offered additional support.

In addition, in a bid to encourage more women entrepreneurs to participate in the initiative, the 2018-2019 Total Startupper of the Year Challenge will also feature a Top Female Entrepreneur category.

The challenge is open to startups and projects that are under two years old and have have a social and community impact.

In addition, the startup founder or project owners must not be more than 35-years old while their solutions must demonstrate feasibility and have the potential to benefit the broader public.

The first edition of the challenge — held in 2015 — aimed to encourage social entrepreneurship and to help innovative under 35-year olds develop their concepts or startups.

In the inaugural year, more than 11 000 applications were received, with 6642 meeting the challenging requirements. In all, 102 innovators were selected as winners with their solutions ranging from health, ecommerce to education.

*Editor’s note (11October 2018): In order to submit applications, prospective applicants will have to click on the list of countries (here) and then navigate to their own country portal.