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JICA in collaboration with Uganda Start-up hubs; Hive Colab, Outbox, and The Innovation Village, launched the Next Innovation with Japan (NINJA) Accelerator Uganda to take high-growth start-ups to the next level of business growth to attract investment worth US$50,000 and above.

The NINJA Accelerator program seeks to support growth-stage Start-ups through a custom-made, bespoke approach for each of the businesses selected into the program, particularly those in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector through shaping their business models and value proposition to gain market traction, find unique solutions that address Ugandan challenges, become profitable and grow their business.

Registration

Registration for interested start-ups started on 30, July, 2021 and ended on 22, August, 2021. The program, meant to be implemented for a period of three months in partnership with the Government of Uganda saw 104 Start-ups apply, although Mr. Uchiyama Takayuki, the Chief Representative, JICA Uganda Office had envisaged 200 applications.

Of the 104 start-ups, 12 made it to the top after a rigorous three- level assessment.

12 pitch to join the program

Appearing before a panel of judges, 12 startups pitched their ideas physically and some online on 10, September, 2021, to make it to the top 5.

The following start-ups were lucky to make it to the top 5 and will receive proof of concept funding, among other enviable benefits.

Chap Chap Africa; a Fintech and social venture seeking to improve livelihoods of low-income individuals by enabling gainful employment, trade, affordable credit facilities and low-cost financial services.

Endiro Coffee; a company that generates revenue to support projects dedicated to helping vulnerable children.

Akello Banker; Provides credit scoring solutions to farmers using alternative data such as mobile data to build credit scores.

Pata Sente; A Fintech start-up that specialises in buying goods for customers and they pay back later on credit through a web or mobile application interface.

Easy Matatu; A tech platform connecting commuters in Africa to safe, reliable and clean transportation.

The benefits

The 5 winners will benefit from the NINJA Accelerator program as follows;

• JICA will fund proof-of-concept for each of the selected startups with up to US$18,000.
• Funding opportunities for high growth-stage startups looking to raise US$50,000 - 1 million dollars in investment.
• Advisory sessions; Businesses will receive advisory services from Rakuten, Japanese biggest e-commerce firm
• Business support including feedback on the product and a better understanding of sector issues.
• Mentorship sessions from a strong network of mentors who will provide advice on topics such as; marketing, scaling, legal issues, business strategy, and pitching to partners.
• Executive networking; they will get exposure to corporate partners through networking events.
• Partnership opportunities from Japan investment and consulting firms.

Pictorial

The JICA Chief Representative Mr. Uchiyama Takayuki giving remarks at the Pitch event.

One of the judges giving remarks.

The Judges.