Fwd: MEST Expands Into Kenya, Seeking Qualified Applicants
Anthony Nandaa
From: Katie Sarro <ka...@meltwater.org>
Date: Wed, May 20, 2015 at 3:10 AM
Subject: MEST Expands Into Kenya, Seeking Qualified Applicants
Calling all Kenyan techies and entrepreneurs, MEST is now recruiting in Kenya!
Could it be you, or do you know someone who qualifies? We are now accepting entrepreneur applications from Kenyans who wish to spend a year with us in Accra to take part in our intensive training program and launch your own software company with potential for seed investment opportunities from the MEST incubator.
With expansion into Kenya, this will mark the third country in Africa where MEST has a foothold in the tech ecosystem.
“2014 was the first year that MEST recruited outside of Ghana, due to our sponsored by Interswitch in Nigeria. We've found the diversification of students in Nigeria and Ghana exponentially increase the business ideas that come from this kind of meeting of the minds. We can only imagine the ripple effect of adding even more perspectives from across the continent,” says Ekua Odoom, Managing Director, MEST Training Program.
One Year Intensive
In addition to opening its recruiting to Kenya applicants, MEST has shifted its program from two to one years. With this exciting change, we hope that a broader number and variety of candidates will now be able to quickly acquire the skills they desire to launch the next generation of leading software companies in Africa.
Incubator Network
MEST will also be expanding the reach of its incubator program across the continent, with plans to have new locations and mentor networks established in the coming years in Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town and Johannesburg, in addition to its flagship, original incubator complex in Accra.
“The scope and resources of our incubator program is unique and a valuable service we provide the entrepreneurs in our community,” says Neal Hansch, Managing Director, MEST Incubator. “Now our future graduating Entrepreneurs-in-Training will have the ability to launch and have support for their companies in their home countries, after completing the one year training program in Ghana, while also allow our current companies to more easily access new markets as they grow their businesses.”
MEST plans to have strategic corporate partners in each market, who assist, support and promote our program entry into new cities. “This will truly be a game-changer for our organization and companies incubated at MEST,” says Hansch. “This expansion enables a clear network effect amongst our points of presence and helps empower MEST portfolio companies to reach broader audiences of potential consumers, clients and partners.”
Calling all Kenyan Entrepreneurs – Apply to MEST Now!
We’re looking for applicants who…
Have a deep passion to start a software company
Have 3-5 years entrepreneurial or corporate work experience
Can commit a year in Accra, Ghana participating in the MEST training program starting August 2015
What We Do
Established in 2008, the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) provides training, investment and incubation to aspiring high tech entrepreneurs in Africa and with bridges to Silicon Valley. The program that blends an MBA-type education with hands-on training in software development in a fast-paced, startup environment.
Since it’s inception, MEST has trained over 200 Ghanaian and Nigerian entrepreneurs and invested $15 million in the training program and incubator, which has provided seed funding to over 20 startups.
These companies have developed solutions addressing global markets, created jobs, competed in top global technology events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, DEMO, and the Launch Festival, and have gained admittance to top accelerator programs such as 500 Startups and Health-XL.
MEST was recently recognized by Fast Company as one of the “10 Most Innovative Companies in Africa” and regarded as “one of the largest private investments in Ghanaian economic development” by DFID.
What We Offer
Intensive hands-on training in software development and entrepreneurship
Free housing, monthly stipend, tuition, meals and a laptop
Seed funding to launch your company, together with subsidized office space (comes with generator power and high-speed internet)
Numerous workshops, talks, and other opportunities to network with domain experts
Mentoring and access to executives at global software companies, entrepreneurs and the VC community
Significant personal and professional growth and exciting career potential
Numerous chances to solve real life business problems with innovative solutions
Soon to launch, an incubator hub network whereby EITs have the opportunity to launch their businesses in Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town and Johannesburg, in addition to the incubator in Accra
Training Program at a Glance
Phase 1 - Technology Curriculum
Core Programming Languages
Web & Mobile Applications
Quality Assurance and Analytics
Scrum and Agile development
Phase 2 - Business Curriculum
Finance & Accounting
Strategy & Marketing, Competitive Analysis
Lean Startup Methodology
Equity, Shares, Investment
Phase 3 - Pitch for Investment
Prototyping and product development
Prepare final business plan
Final Pitch for Investment to MEST Incubator
How to Apply
Submit an online application form here: meltwater.org/school/admissions
Deadline is June 1
- For any admissions-related inquiry, please contact Amma Baffoe via e-mail at: amma....@meltwater.org
Software Architect, Serial Founder & Mentor.
Twitter/Github: @profnandaa
Blog: www.nandaa.com