UNESCO and IEEE Entrepreneurship are launching a new entrepreneurship bootcamp in engineering for sustainable development. It is a 5-day intensive bootcamp for early-career engineers in Luanda, Angola from 9 to 13 September 2024. Prospective applicants from Africa who are interested in learning entrepreneurial skills to market their scientific inventions are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this enriching experience. The bootcamp is organized under the auspices of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024-2033. It is a contribution to the 10th Africa engineering Week.
This intensive bootcamp brings together participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, early-stage entrepreneurs, and professionals with a strong interest in technology and innovation. The program focuses on providing practical knowledge and skills essential for launching and scaling tech-based ventures. Participants are guided through key aspects of entrepreneurship, such as idea validation, business model development, marketing strategies, fundraising, and scaling operations.
The bootcamp features a comprehensive curriculum delivered by experienced mentors and industry experts. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, hands-on activities, and mentoring sessions, participants gain valuable insights into the startup ecosystem and the challenges of building a successful business. The program emphasizes real-world application, encouraging participants to work on their own business ideas or projects, which they can refine and develop throughout the bootcamp.
One of the unique aspects of the UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is its focus on leveraging technology for social good. The program encourages participants to think beyond profit and consider the social and environmental impacts of their ventures. This aligns with UNESCO’s mission to promote sustainable development and IEEE’s commitment to advancing technology for humanity. Participants are often challenged to create solutions that address pressing global issues such as education, health, energy, and environmental sustainability.
The bootcamp also provides a valuable networking platform, connecting participants with peers, mentors, investors, and potential collaborators from around the world. This network can be instrumental in helping them access resources, partnerships, and opportunities that can accelerate the growth of their ventures. Additionally, participants may have the chance to present their projects to a panel of judges, offering them exposure and feedback from industry leaders.
The UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is a transformative experience that equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial journey. By fostering innovation and promoting technology-driven solutions, the program contributes to the development of a new generation of entrepreneurs who are committed to making a positive impact on society and the world.
At the bootcamp, the participants will learn about topics like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of engineering and innovation for sustainable development, Sustainable Development Goals and need for innovation; Opportunity assessment, Concept of intellectual property (IP) and its significance; basic financial knowledge for start-ups, taking an idea to market – timelines and processes for taking an invention to market; developing a business models and business plan, success stories; innovation tools; key decisions encountered by start-ups, raising funds for start-ups and more. The bootcamp will consist of a set of lectures, participate in discussions, mentor group activities and will be available for one-on-one discussions with interested participants.
Eligibility Requirements For The UNESCO-IEEE Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
Participants must be:
- Below 35 years of age by 31 December 2024.
- Early-career engineers, including students registered in engineering programmes and engineering practitioners.
- A national and resident of an African country.
- Available for all days of the bootcamp, including the two-pre-bootcamp online engagements.
Topics will include:
- Opportunity assessment, Concept of intellectual property (IP) and its significance.
- Basic financial knowledge for start-ups, taking ideas to market – timelines and processes for taking an invention to market.
- Developing a business models and business plan, Success stories.
- Innovation tools: Key decisions encountered by start-ups, Raising funds for start-ups.
Benefits
Coverage provided
- Accommodation in double rooms on a shared basis for those living outside of Luanda
- All meals
- Air tickets for qualifying participants arriving from outside Angola
Timeline:
| 31 July 2024 | Deadline for Applications |
| 06 August 2024 | Accepted participants are notified |
| 27 August 2024 | 1st virtual meet-up: Pre-bootcamp online engagement 1 – Introduction and soliciting ideas (2 hours) 5:00-7:00pm (Luanda time) |
| 3 September 2024 | 2nd virtual meet-up: Pre-bootcamp online engagement 2 – Team building exercise (2 hours) 5:00-7:00pm (Luanda time) |
| 9 September 2024 | Opening Ceremony 9:00 am to 1:00 pm of the 10th Africa Engineering Week 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. |
| 9-13 September 2024 | Entrepreneurship Bootcamp |
Application Deadline: July 31st, 2024.
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