MTN has decided to join other companies in supporting some selected startups in Nigeria. Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) in conjunction with MTN and Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council are building solutions to stop the spread of the virus. After the #COVID19InnovationChallenge virtual Demo Day, each startup received an equity-free grant funding from organizers ranging up to $3000.
Partners
Other organizers also include Venture Garden Group, Loftynic Allied Partners Ltd, Bluechip Technologies, Silverchip Fox Consulting. Lakunle Runsewe, ACIOE, AGS Tribe, Manasseh Egedegbe, Sterling Bank, and NESG are also part of the organizers. After the event, NCDC will work with three of the startups. They include Prunedge, Infodemics, and Wellvis Health.
Solutions
MTN will be supporting the two finalists and one other startup firm to discover solutions that will create a positive impact on the environment during the pandemic. The company is also ready to assist Wellvis Health by creating a USSD to deliver its product to non-remote areas. This will assist users without a smartphone or internet access report and monitor their symptoms.
After pledging their support to the startups, MTN introduced an idea to let the teams describe their ideas to other volunteers. These volunteers will support them and also develop solutions to assists the masses during the pandemic.
“The zeal from the teams who participated was superb; their energy and focus on building products that will effectively tackle the COVID-19 pandemic was incredible,” said Founder of Ventures Platform, Kola Aina.
MTN also acknowledges the partnership and additional investment needed in developing a solution to ease the pressure caused by the pandemic. “As we say in Africa, it takes a village – I am so grateful to our village for making this happen,” he said.
Facilitators
One major company also facilitating this innovation is the Venture Platform Foundation. Venture Platform Foundation nurtures communities of innovators and entrepreneurs through various platforms. It also builds a platform and ecosystem to support startups. It is also a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa.
This innovation will enhance in finding a better space to grow in the coming years. It also gives the upcoming startup the advantage to develop more unique ideas. Startups chosen by top companies have the edge of assisting the nation in stopping the spread of COVID-19. They will ensure medical and testing reports are developed on time. Also, ensure effective treatment and use of medications.
The startups will make sure the masses are well educated on the virus and also send in any discovered symptoms to the medical center for investigation. They help to flatten the curve on coronavirus in certain areas and improve livelihood. Also, this initiative and sponsorship aim to ensure that people are back to their normal life and living a comfortable life.
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