UNDP AI HUB FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CO-DESIGN Startup Acceleration Pilot 2024
Host
UNDP
Target Audience
International Applicants
Introduction
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.
UNDP AI HUB FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CO-DESIGN Startup Acceleration Pilot 2024
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.
The Startup Acceleration Pilot
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
| PHASES | DATES IN 2024 | ITEM |
|---|---|---|
| Open Call | 19 Jul – 5 Aug | Global Call for Applications |
| Selection | 5 Aug – 15 Aug | Selection Process |
| Notification | 15 Aug | Notify Applicants |
| PHASE 2: PREPARATORY PHASE FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS | ||
| Prep Period | 1 Sep – 15 Oct | Prep Programme |
| PHASE 3: SAN FRANCISCO EVENT Please note that some of these dates might be subject to slight changes. | ||
| San Francisco Days | 8 Nov – 15 Nov | Global Networking |
| Demo | 11 Nov – 13 Nov | Demo Days |
PHASE 4: ONGOING SUPPORT | ||
| Mentorship | Mentorship and Skill Enhancement | |
| Ongoing Support and access to an alumni network and webinars | ||
Application process
The Call for Applications will run from 19 July to 5 August 2024. Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- A completed application form addressing eligibility, project details, and motivation for applying
- A concise yet detailed company profile document (maximum 2 pages), providing an overview of the startup(s), mission, and key team members
- A PDF or PowerPoint pitch deck (maximum 15 slides) clearly communicating the AI solution, its potential impact, and vision for growth
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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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants must:
- Be based in one of the nine pilot countries outlined in the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan: Algeria, Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Côte D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, or Tunisia
- Develop or be aspiring to develop AI solutions that address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Education and Training, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Water, and Infrastructure (both physical and digital)
- Contribute to one of the three pillars of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development:
- Compute distribution and affordability
- Talent development and orchestration
- Data quality, accessibility, and digitization
- Demonstrate a commitment to responsible and sustainable AI development and deployment practices
- 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)
Complete the application form
We particularly encourage: joint applications from existing startups collaborating on projects including with research organizations, other established private sector organizations, universities, accelerator networks nationally or regionally, that meet the programme’s criteria.
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