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Applications are now open for UNDP’s Acceleration Pilot Program 2024 for African Artificial Intelligence (AI) Startups. The AI Hub for Sustainable Development Co-Design: Startup Acceleration Pilot is designed to inform the design and development of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, co-led by the Italian G7 Presidency and the United Nations Development Programme.
Opportunity Details
Africa stands at the threshold of a powerful AI revolution. To harness its potential for addressing the continent's most pressing issues and drive inclusive and responsible growth, a collaborative effort to propel AI is needed. A unified approach is required to shape the pillars of AI development, namely data, compute and talent. Risks abound in the absence of collective action and an enabling ecosystem, which can limit AI’s potential for sustainable development.
The private sector – including the burgeoning AI/tech startup ecosystem and continental/global private sector companies – can play a critical role in closing the various gaps related to data, compute and talent.
The AI Hub for Sustainable Development Co-Design: Startup Acceleration Pilot is designed to inform the design and development of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, co-led by the Italian G7 Presidency and the United Nations Development Programme. This involves the participation of partners supporting the learning journey of this pilot, which include the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), CDP Venture Capital SGR (CDP), the Italian Innovation and Culture Hub (INNOVIT), and ITU AI for Good.
Running from September to October 2024, this pilot programme aims to foster innovation and partnerships in data, compute, and talent pipelines—the three critical pillars underpinning local AI ecosystems in Africa. By focusing on these foundational elements, the pilot programme seeks to address the need for an integrated private sector approach to mitigate risks and unlock the transformative power of AI for sustainable development. It aims to support innovations that are locally based and put people and sustainability at the centre, ensuring that innovations benefit communities in countries where the innovations are designed.
As part of the programme, selected startups will have the opportunity to participate in an ecosystem-building event hosted by INNOVIT and the Italian G7 Presidency in San Francisco, California, USA on 12 - 14 November 2024. During the event, selected startups will have the chance to showcase their innovative solutions, attract potential investment, form strategic partnerships, and network with INNOVIT's start-up network and Silicon Valley AI leaders.
PHASE 1: APPLICATION PHASE
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PHASES |
DATES IN 2024 |
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| Open Call | 19 Jul - 5 Aug | Global Call for Applications |
| Selection | 5 Aug - 15 Aug | Selection Process |
| Notification | 15 Aug | Notify Applicants |
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| Prep Period | 1 Sep - 15 Oct | Prep Programme |
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| San Francisco Days |
8 Nov - 15 Nov | Global Networking |
| Demo | 11 Nov - 13 Nov | Demo Days |
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PHASE 4: ONGOING SUPPORT |
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| Mentorship | Mentorship and Skill Enhancement | |
| Ongoing Support and access to an alumni network and webinars | ||
Eligible applicants must:
Demonstrate professional-level proficiency in English. English is a requirement for at least one member of your team (who will also be expected to participate in the in-person activities of the programme)
The Call for Applications will run from 19 July to 5 August 2024. Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
All materials must be submitted by 5 August 2024, 11:59 UTC+3. Only complete applications received by this deadline will be considered.
SELECTION PROCESS
A committee of stakeholders from various sectors will evaluate the applications based on eligibility criteria and alignment with the programme's objectives.
Apply for UNDP’s Acceleration Pilot Program 2024