Up Accelerate is a one-year initiative implemented by Outbox in partnership with UNFPA and funding from UKAID.
The Up Accelerate program seeks to support young entrepreneurs aged 18 - 30 years that are tackling challenges in sexual and reproductive health in Uganda by providing them with mentorship, seed funding of up to $10,000 per team, business training, and technical guidance.
The program was launched in November 2016 and ran until September 2017.
In the first call for applications, 62 submissions were received from across the country out which 22 were shortlisted for public voting and evaluation by a panel of judges.
The ten finalists presented their solutions on a pitch day that took place on 17th January 2017 and the final four later graduated at a demo day on 30th May 2017.
Subsequently, in the second call for applications, 51 submissions were received out of which 25 were short-listed for public voting and evaluation by judges.
The final four teams were then selected to join the program, and these have been undergoing acceleration that culminates with a demo day tomorrow at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
The main objectives of the demo day are; to showcase the solutions developed by the teams over the acceleration cycle as well as identify any opportunities for partnership-building and follow-on investors.
The four teams will each have 4 minutes to pitch, plus additional three for a question and answer session.
Related: Here’s What Up Accelerate Startups Learned and the Challenges they Faced
The Demo Day will go as follows;
13:30 - 14.00 hrs
Arrivals and registration: Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala
14.00 - 14.10 hrs
Welcome and setting the stage: Richard Zulu [Outbox] and Davide Piga [UNFPA ESARO]
14.10 - 14. 20 hrs
Remarks by DFID: Ritah Nakigudde Waddimba, Health Adviser, DFID
14.20 - 14.30 hrs
Remarks by UNFPA Representative: Alain Sibenaler
14.30 - 14.45 hrs
Keynote speaker: Dr. H. Mwebesa, Director Health Services (Planning & Development), Ministry of Health
14.45 - 15.00 hrs
Testimonial from Up Accelerate cycle 1 team - DrugDash: Solomon Kahuma
15.00 - 15.05 hrs
Introduction of pitch day judges: Richard Zulu
15.05 - 16.10 hrs
Pitching for demo day teams: UNFPA
16.10 - 17.10 hrs [Judges deliberate at this time]
Panel Discussion: Michael Niyitegeka
The present and future of innovations to improve SRH access in Uganda.
- John Mark Bwanika: The Medical Concierge Group
- Raj Gangadia: Clinton Health Access Initiative
- Makobore Phillipa: Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI)
- Ms. Noelle Aryanyijuka: Ecosmart pad
17.10 - 17.20 hrs
Announcement of winning team & photo moments: Dr. William Lubega
17.20 - 17.30 hrs
Closing, media engagements and tea