THE TECHPRENEUR SKILLING AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM JOURNEY

THE TECHPRENEUR SKILLING AND MENTORSHIP

                                         PROGRAM JOURNEY

The Techpreneur Skilling and Mentorship Program stood out as Mkazipreneur’s flagship initiative in the month of November, dedicated to empowering young and emerging Techpreneurs to refine, develop, and scale their prototypes. The program was thoughtfully designed to provide hands-on mentorship and tailored technical support, equipping participants with the skills and resources needed to enhance their businesses at the prototype stage, understand the legal and operational dynamics to run a business and prepare for market entry for their business.

The Techpreneur skilling and mentorship program, facilitated through the collaborative efforts of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance also pooled together a robust set of partners seen with the National ICT Innovation Hub, Engage, and Mkazipreneur. This robust partnership network facilitated the onboarding of skilled mentors, trainers, and top-tier professionals from the Techpreneur ecosystem – ensuring participants had access to a wealth of expertise and practical knowledge.

Over the course of four weeks, the program engaged more than 80 Techpreneurs from across Uganda, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Activities culminated in a highly anticipated Pitch Day, where each participant presented their prototype to a panel of judges. The pitches showcased the ingenuity and feasibility of their innovations, highlighting their potential for real-world application and impact.

The 4-Week Techpreneur Program: A Dynamic Journey from Prototypes to Pitch Day

The 4-week Techpreneur Program was packed with impactful activities, guiding participants through a transformative journey. The program brought together 80 Techpreneurs, each with prototypes at various stages of development. These innovators benefited from mentorship through a blend of physical and online sessions led by seasoned professionals specializing in business management and tech efficiency.

The program culminated in a Pitch Day, where the most promising businesses showcased their prototypes to an expert panel with representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Engage and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance providing experienced perspectives from both national and international scales.

            The top five prototypes that stood out during the program were:

In descending order, the best prototypes out of over 25 businesses that pitched on the 29^th November, 2024 were; Taza Fasi, Safe Baby, Agri-Cure AI, Smart Mum Uganda, and lastly – the best prototype pitched on pitch day crowned as Terramoist AI.