The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Founder Institute Abuja curated a Collaboratory quest for innovation, focusing on the responsibility of fostering the development and growth of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria.
In an effort towards ensuring that the IT policy’s implementation proceeds with maximum effectiveness, NITDA and Founder Institute Abuja synergized to regulate, monitor, evaluate, and verify the progress of startups tailored to AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, E-commerce, Software, Fintech, Ed-tech, IoT, Biotechnology and Blockchain; on an ongoing basis under the supervision and coordination of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
The partnership also aimed at navigating the ever-changing terrain of technological advancements, market disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences in order to unlock a treasure trove of creative potential and drive success for all participating start-up technology companies.
Thus, the Founder Institute Abuja, local chapter of the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator, is proud to announce the newest Alumni from the NITDA - Founder Institute 2023 program.
After a meticulous selection process and intense four months of aggressive business-building sprints, constant evaluation, and feedback from investors and mentors, just 13 companies were able to make it through.
Each of these Founders have demonstrated a high level of perseverance and creativity, and their businesses have been thoroughly vetted and supported by a panel of FI Abuja's top startup experts and investors.
And now, without further ado, we present the Alumni of the NITDA - Founder Institute program:
- Genius Club - an innovative EdTech startup transforming exam preparation for secondary school students into a fun and engaging experience through interactive quiz games and weekly quests, complemented by a rewarding system.
- NowGold Investments LTD - A company that helps individuals manage their money globally by offering secure wallets, crypto debit cards, and hardware wallets for convenience and safety in handling finances
- NisfulHeart - A halal matchmaking services using advance compatibility algorithms focusing on mental wellbeing and providing emotional support.
- WaoCard - a multi-purpose smart card and wallet app, streamlining daily activities by combining ID, payment, access control, loyalty, and time attendance features to meet the need for simplicity, security, and efficiency in both individual and institutional settings.
- OneClick-Med Ltd- a digital platform to reduce diagnosis errors, eliminate paperwork, and improve healthcare by integrating patient registration and electronic medical records
- SahalRide- a carpooling platform that addresses the need for comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective inter-state travel in Nigeria.
- Cedar Technical Services Company Limited: an infrastructure engineering company specializing in the manufacturing of building and engineering materials.
- Serena Space: a wellness meal kit delivery service in Nigeria to help urban professionals conveniently address their dietary needs through personalised nutrition.
- Virtrav: a virtual reality booking platform that uses gamified virtual tours to improve the booking experience for both hosts and hotels.
- MyAjia: a fintech company using technology to help unbanked and underserved people with payments, savings, and education, bridging financial gaps and empowering communities
- PayLater Hub: a digital revolving credit lines to Nigerian workers, helping to bridge their financial gaps between paydays and combat income poverty, thus preserving their dignity and enabling financial stability.
- Getreat: Getreat is an application software focused on providing patients with automation as an interim means of care for a faster response while maintaining connection with qualified medical expert professionals for efficient patients' examination and treatment.
- Rework Academy Ltd: Rework Academy is a tech skills development platform, focused on developing highly skilled tech talents through practical and project-based learning, Collaborative learning and Mentorship.
The Abuja program would not have been possible without help, because it truly takes a city to raise a startup.
Local Directors
We would first like to thank the Local Directors of the Founder Institute: Ajuma Ataguba (CEO, Founder Institute, Abuja), Catherine Mba (Program Associate, The Founder Institute Abuja), Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. (Co-founder, techbuild.africa), Segun Obakeye (Founder, 3VINELINK SOLUTIONS LIMITED). Our Local Leaders play an incredibly important role in building the local Founder Institute program, and creating an environment and network in Founder Institute that is conducive to building to great companies.
In addition, the Abuja program was supported by some of Founder Institute's top technology partners, including:
Some of Founder Institute’s top startup mentors helped our founders in the program, including:
In the Founder Institute's pre-seed accelerator program, early-stage entrepreneurs and teams build their business alongside a critical support network of local startup experts that share equity in their success, and through a structured and challenging business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $1.8BN.
After Graduation, the new NITDA/Founder Institute Portfolio Companies now have a fast-growing company that has been fully validated by experienced startup founders, with access to the Founder Institute's global network and post-graduate support programs to continue building their business.
Leaders of the world’s fastest-growing startups have used the Founder Institute to raise funding, building a co-founding team, get into seed-accelerators, generate traction, recruit a team, build a product, transition from employee to entrepreneur, and more. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200+ cities and 100+ countries, the Founder Institute’s mission is to Globalize Silicon Valley and empower talented and motivated entrepreneurs to build companies that will create one million new jobs.
The next Abuja Founder Institute program is being planned now. If you are interested in being notified when applications open, visit FI.co/apply/abuja.
Alumni of the Founder Institute are creating some of the world's fastest growing startups, having raised over $1.8BN in funding, and building products people love across over 200 cities worldwide.
See the most recent news from our Grads at FI.co/news, or learn more about their stories at FI.co/graduates.
