How to Apply for NG_HUB FbStart Accelerator Program ~ $5000 Funding for Student Projects

Are you a tech lover? Do you currently have a product you wish to implement or have an idea of a life changing product? Are you a programmer? Are you willing to sacrifice your time and skills for the success of your team/ideas? Then this program is for you. 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. 

The research and mentorship-driven program would focus on providing teams with technical and 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 (AI)
✅ Data Science
✅ Internet of Things (IoT)
✅ Augmented Reality (AR)
✅ 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.

WHO ARE THEY SPONSORS OF THIS PROGRAM
NG_HUB, from Facebook and in partnership with CcHUB (Co-creation Hub), a deep-tech focused innovation lab for entrepreneurs, students, researchers, technologists and other stakeholders building solutions with advanced technologies.

DURATION FOR THE PROGRAM
They program is set to run for a period of 6 months.

ONSITE ACCELERATOR: Startup Teams

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.

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 the Facebook and CcHUB network

4. An office space with high-speed internet, meeting rooms & more.

VIRTUAL ACCELERATOR: Student Teams

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 higher institution as at July 2018.

2. Have an idea, research or product that would leverage one of these technologies; Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Data Science, Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality

3. Have a technical lead and founder (s) that are fully committed to the business.

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

1. Equity-free funding: 
✅ BSc. students – $5,000. 
✅ MSc. students – $10,000 
✅ PhD. students – $15,000 

2. Hands-on support: Product development, Business strategy & Structure, and Investment readiness.

3. Access to technical experts and business mentors from the 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.

HOW DO I APPLY
✅ Application for this program is free (No hidden charges). To apply click on this Link

✅ Deadline for submission of applications is July, 6 2018.

What is The FbStart Accelerator Roadshow
The FbStart Accelerator Roadshow is an event organized by NG_HUB for students in Universities across Nigeria with aim of creating awareness about the Program. So far, they’ve been to 11 Universities across Nigeria in the last 3 weeks. Few days ago, the event was hosted at the University of Jos. You can Register for the FbStart Accelerator Roadshows here

Still in need of clarifications, you can join the NG_HUB Facebook Group.