Inviting startups to apply for the MonJa Startup Accelerator Program Batch 2 -Innovative Mobile Application Product Contributing to SDGs-

2021.11.09

You can find the form for the application at the end of this page.

Deadline is 23:59 on November 30th, 2021.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mongolia-Japan Center (MOJC), and MobiCom Corporation LLC (MobiCom) have announced the launch of the MonJa Startup Accelerator Program Batch 2 for Innovative Mobile Application Product Contributing to SDGs.

1. Outline of the Program:

The basic outline and flow of the MonJa2 Startup Accelerator Program is described below.

  • 1 . We (JICA, MOJC and MobiCom) call for business proposals from startups and organizations.
  • 2 . We (JICA, MOJC and MobiCom) select 3 startups by a selection committee.
  • 3 . JICA and startups discuss and sign contract (maximum: USD 20,000/each selected startup) for verifying their business's effectiveness.
  • 4 . We (JICA, MOJC and MobiCom) provide technical support such as mentoring, executive coaching, lectures and networking events through the Program (3months) to promote startup's business.

2. Eligibility Criteria:

To take part in MonJa Startup Accelerator Program, startups must:

  • 1 . Be a profit/non-profit organization registered as an independent legal entity in Mongolia.
  • 2 . Have a management team of at least 2 persons.
  • 3 . Proposals from individuals will not be accepted.
  • 4 . Have innovative product(s) or service(s) based on mobile application contributing to SDGs OR have a feasible business plan to create prototypes (Minimum Viable Product (MVP)).
  • 5 . Released the product(s) or service(s) since 2020 or still at the stage of business plan (Idea/Seed Stage)
  • 6 . Have no negative credit information (Non-performing loan and tax payment)
  • 7 . Be able to communicate in English.

3. Schedule:

  • 1 . Application deadline: 23:59 on November 30th, 2021
  • 2 . 1st Selection by proposals: Middle December, 2021
  • 3 . 2nd Selection by interview (in English): Middle December, 2021
  • 4 . Decision of startups for the Program: Late December, 2021
  • 5 . Contract Negotiation: Late December 2021 to Middle February, 2022
  • 6 . Contract with JICA: From February to May or June, 2022.
  • 7 . Pitch event: Kick-off on 24th February and Final Pitch on 25th May, 2022 (Tentative)

Note:

  • Basically 3 selected startups can participate in this program. (Number of startups might change based on the selection)
  • We (JICA, MOJC and MobiCom) may establish the selection committee with outside experts to evaluate proposals under strict confidentiality.
  • We (JICA, MOJC and MobiCom) will request the startups invited to be interviewed to submit additional documents/a pitch deck if necessary.

4. Contract with JICA:

  • 1 . Before making the contract, JICA examines the details of the proposed activity and the validity of the budget (each expense item) and JICA may request the additional documents to determine the detail activity in the contract.
  • 2 . After the contract is signed, startups must set the activities for Proof of Concept and submit the reports about each activity. (The duration of the contract will be about 3 to 4 months.)
  • 3 . In principal, JICA makes full payment after delivery as well as no advance payment at the commencement of the contract.

Note:

  • This program is basically provided by JICA, MOJC and MobiCom. However, the contract is expected to be made only between JICA and qualified startup since it is related with financial issue and JICA is responsible for the contract.

5. Technical Support during the Program:

JICA, MOJC and MobiCom provide following services for selected startups:

  • 1 . Providing Mentoring Service, executive coaching and lectures from the view point of business, technology and sectors such as healthcare, education, urban development and so on, during 3 months.
  • 2 . Organizing Business Networking Event
  • 3 . Holding kickoff event (February 2022) and final pitch event (May 2022).

Note:

  • All of the programs are conducted in English.

Submission of Application (English):

Please fill in the form (Google Forms, external link) by 23:59 on November 30th, 2021.

Note:

  • All documents should be submitted in English
  • The proposal should introduce some level of innovation in terms of a business model, a new product or service that can be more actively used, and/or profitability.
  • Proposals should be as commercially-oriented as possible.
  • JICA will support the budget of the activities up to USD 20,000/each selected startup based on the JICA's accounting guidelines, covering expenses associated with the remuneration cost for the related to the implementation of the work. Therefore, the proposing company need to cover the other cost, such as but not limited to office rent, daily operation of the system, additional rental servers and etc, if needed.
  • JICA's finance is not equity nor debt. However, successful applicants will be obliged to report the progress of their activities, by which JICA will make disbursement.
  • There is no fee to enroll/apply for the program.

All data and information provided is strictly confidential and will be applied for this Program purposes only.

For your reference, you can download brochure from

If you have any questions, please contact with monja2sdgs@gmail.com in English.

Please understand we will not answer any questions regarding selection.

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