FbStart Accelerator 2019

The FbStart Accelerator at NG_HUB is a deep-tech focused accelerator program for visionary and innovative teams using advanced technologies to solve problems in our society and build solutions for the future.

In 2018, Facebook and CcHUB kicked off a partnership aimed at unearthing next-generation solutions leveraging advanced technologies with the launch of the FbStart Accelerator in Lagos.

15 teams across Nigeria were selected and 6 months later, 90% of the teams achieved their goals for the program and as at April 2019, they have raised over $400,000 in grants and investments amongst countless other highlights.

We are excited to be accepting applications for the 2019 FbStart Accelerator cohort!

The research and mentorship-driven program provides teams with technical & business support and funding needed to optimize their product for growth. It is designed for startup and student teams building solutions that utilize any of these technologies; Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

The onsite component of the accelerator is tailored for startup teams who would be physically present at NG_HUB while student teams would have the flexibility of a virtual acceleration program, with the option to work out of partner hubs.

NG_HUB, from Facebook and in partnership with CcHUB, is a deep-tech focused innovation lab for entrepreneurs, students, researchers, technologists and other stakeholders building solutions with advanced technologies.

Visit our main website here: https://cchubnigeria.com/fbstart

DURATION: 6 months

ONSITE ACCELERATOR: STARTUP TEAMS

BENEFITS

Startups that are accepted into the program will receive the following:

1. Equity-free funding: Startup teams would get $20,000 in equity-free funding.
2. Hands-on support: Product development, business strategy & structure, financial management and investment readiness.
3. Access to technical experts and business mentors from Facebook and CcHUB’s network
4. An office space with high-speed internet, meeting rooms & more.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for the program, startups must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a functional product leveraging one of these technologies; Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Data Science, Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality
2. Have gained some users/customers.
3. Have a technical lead and founder(s) that are fully committed to the business.
4. Have the potential to disrupt or greatly enhance their focus industries.

VIRTUAL ACCELERATOR: STUDENT TEAMS

BENEFITS

Student teams that are accepted into the program will receive the following:

1. Equity-free funding of $10,000.
2. Hands-on support: Product development, Business strategy & Structure, and Investment readiness.
3. Access to technical experts and business mentors from Facebook and CcHUB’s network
4. Possible access to office space and high-speed internet at partner hubs.
5. A flexible program designed with consideration to your academic obligations.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for the program, student teams must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a BSc., MSc. or PhD student in a Nigerian/Ghanian higher institution as at July 2019.
2. Have an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)/Prototype or be able to prove that you have the capacity to build your intended solution.
3. Your solution must leverage one of these technologies; Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Data Science, Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality
4. Have a technical lead and founder (s) that are fully committed to the business.