Digital Assistive Technology (DAT) Accelerator Program Cohort 6

Deadline: August 15, 2022

Call for applications for innovators in the African continent dedicated to developing digital assistive technologies and services designed to help people with disabilities in Africa.

THEME: Digital Assistive Technology (AT)

Innovate Now aims to support startups that provide people with disabilities in Africa with access to digital assistive technology solutions or use digital platforms to provide people with disabilities access to assistive technology for education, healthcare, livelihood and other sectors.

Suitability

Geography: East AfricaStage: Ventures beyond proof-of-concept with minimum viable product and few initial usersSector: Digitally assisted assistive technology products and servicesType: Both for-profit social enterprises and non-profit organizations can apply.Inclusive participation: Entrepreneurs with disabilities and women strongly encouraged to apply. Age: Applicants must be of legal working age in Kenya (18 years) or guaranteed by a guardian of legal working age. They must have all legal rights to work in Kenya.

Requirements:

Innovation-driven startups that improve access to assistive technology through digital means or provide digital assistive technology solutions in education, healthcare, livelihood and other sectors. Innovative, execution-oriented flexible problem solvers Authentic mission-driven founder(s) empathy, continuous learning and problem solving Structured and efficient teams (defined ownership, commitment, roles and responsibility) and organization (systems, processes and resources)

Benefits

Access to Kenya-based and global mentors and subject matter experts in assistive technology and entrepreneurship.Access our growing network of Live Labs-A unique concept that allows you to test, get feedback and validate directly with people with disabilities across East Africa.Access to our investor network and investment readiness programs and our financing ecosystem, eg AT Impact Fund, innovation advisory and investment and Norwegian community of practice. Technical Assistance: Tangible, direct support related to what it takes to make your startup succeed: legal, marketing, fundraising, experimental design, pitching and investor readiness. Access our global inclusive innovation ecosystem and partner network of disability organizations, universities, financiers, assistive technology experts, disability experts, inclusive design experts, businesses and NGOs.

Program details

Application deadline: August 15Cohort duration: 3 monthsLocation: Online

Selection

The selection process consists of two steps:

Phase 1: online shortlisting Phase 2: online job interview

A team of expert judges will evaluate and shortlist the candidates based on eligibility criteria and responses to the application form. The shortlist will advance to Phase 2: the final interview where up to 10 teams will be selected to participate in Innovate Now Cohort 6. All teams must participate online in the Phase 1 and 2 selections.

Acceptance in the program

Selected applicants will be notified by email no later than one week after the last interview. Selected applicants will receive a letter of acceptance to be signed in duplicate. Accepted applicants will receive a welcome pack containing information about all of the program’s activities, curriculum and process.

Cost

Participants will not be charged to participate. Innovate Now does not take equity stake in cohort companies. Persons with disabilities will be reimbursed for any additional costs they incur to participate in the program to overcome barriers to equal participation in reduce the program.

For more information:

Visit official website of the Digital Assistive Technology (DAT) Accelerator Program 2022

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