This week Global Entrepreneurship Network’s 22 ON SLOANE campus announced that they had selected the first 80 African startups to join the state-of-the-art entrepreneurship campus.
While the names of the startups are still to be announced, what we do know is that the majority of the selected startups are based in fintech, energy, manufacturing, information and communication tech, engineering and services.
This follows a targeted two-week campaign inviting startups to apply for residency at the campus. An overwhelming 800 applications were received with 300 invited to finally pitch their projects.
Want to apply next year? This is what Africa’s largest startup campus has to offer:
Artist rendering of 22 On Sloane campus’ 200 workstations and offices.
1. Industry Know-How
The focus of the programme is to enable startups to scale, from the initial idea all the way to sustainable commercialisation, funding opportunities and access to markets.
The campus is set on a 10,000 square metre space with over 200 workstations and offices, free wireless connectivity, tech labs with 3D printers and industrial designers, kitchen facilities, shower facilities, gym, prayer room, siesta room, think-tank rooms, boardrooms, kids and adults playroom, conference centre, 180 parking bays, and an Atrium.
22 On Sloane campus exterior
3. Access To The Best
Throughout the 12 month programme entrepreneurs will receive exposure to a global and diverse team of experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, scientists, managers, CEOs and funders, who will actively support those enrolled at the campus throughout their journey to build their businesses and contribute towards job creation in Africa.
Vusi Thembekwayo, venture capitalist, CEO of MyGrowthFund speaking at 22 On Sloane during the recently held Global Entrepreneurship Week.
4. Future Tech
In the coming months, they have announced that they will be looking to attract more startups in the new and future industry sectors, such as Robotics, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence technologies, energy technologies, food and fibre, fuel cells and medical technologies.
