Open Startup, a prominent initiative fostering entrepreneurial growth, has officially commenced the application process for its esteemed pan-African OST (Open Startup Tunisia) programme. This initiative is dedicated to nurturing early-stage startups and cultivating the talents of promising individuals across Tunisia, Senegal, and Morocco.
Prestigious Collaboration with Columbia Universities
The OST Programme is a prestigious collaboration with the renowned Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School, based in New York. The programme is scheduled to span five months, commencing in September 2024 and culminating in January 2025. It is meticulously crafted to provide comprehensive support to a cohort of 30 startups, with an equal representation of 10 from each participating country. The primary objective is to guide these startups from their nascent proof of concept phase to the development of a robust minimum viable product (MVP).
Comprehensive Support and Resources
Participants of the OST Programme will be endowed with an array of invaluable resources tailored to their specific needs. This includes specialized training modules and mentorship sessions led by industry experts, designed to foster their entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. Additionally, the programme facilitates access to a vast international network, offering startups the opportunity to connect with global leaders and innovators in their respective fields.
Financial Incentive and International Exposure
One of the most enticing aspects of the programme is the non-dilutive financial incentive—a collective cash prize pool of US$50,000, distributed with no equity requirements. This significant financial boost aims to propel the startups’ growth and development, enabling them to scale their operations and refine their product offerings.
Moreover, the OST Programme includes a series of planned excursions to international hubs such as New York, Tunisia, and Morocco. These trips are strategically designed to provide the participants with substantial international exposure, broaden their horizons, and facilitate networking opportunities with potential investors, partners, and customers.
Tailored Tracks for Diverse Entrepreneurial Needs
The programme offers two distinct tracks to cater to the diverse needs of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The first track is tailored for early-stage startups that have already established a proof of concept and are poised to develop their MVP and scale their market presence. The second track will focus on startups that are still in the ideation phase, providing them with the foundational support needed to validate their ideas and begin the journey towards creating a viable product.
For more information and to apply for the OST Programme, visit the Open Startup website. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for startups in Tunisia, Senegal, and Morocco to gain the support and resources needed to thrive in the competitive global market.