The Provence Africa Connect 2024 competition, hosted by EMERGING Valley, is a premier event designed to promote innovation between Africa and Provence. This contest presents an excellent platform for entrepreneurs and startups to propel their projects forward, creating opportunities to foster partnerships and synergies between these two regions.
Strengthening Innovation Ties Between Africa and Provence
Since 2017, EMERGING Valley has established itself as a major hub for global innovation in Provence, attracting investors, startups, and digital ecosystems from Africa and beyond. The event serves as a bridge where innovation meets impact, allowing ideas from different regions to converge and create a shared global future.
In 2024, Provence Africa Connect 2024 competition will enter a new era as part of the eighth edition of EMERGING Valley at The Camp, in Aix-en-Provence. This fifth edition of the contest, launched by the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis with the support of Africalink, La French Tech Aix-Marseille-Région Sud, Provence Promotion, Marseille Innovation, and the Technopôle de l’Arbois, aims to amplify the collaboration between Provence and Africa. By supporting this contest, these organizations are fostering innovation and creating unique opportunities for African startups to shine on a global stage.
Key Selection Criteria for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs and their projects will be evaluated by a jury composed of official partners and a prominent figure in African tech. The selection process will focus on five main criteria, which are outlined in the application package:
- Presence in Africa: The entrepreneur and their project must have a significant footprint on the African continent.
- Economic credibility: The project should demonstrate solid financial viability.
- Innovation in partnership: The proposal must outline an innovative partnership between Africa and Provence.
- Contribution to the attractiveness of Aix-Marseille-Provence: The project must contribute to enhancing the relationship between Provence and Africa.
- Impact on African and metropolitan territories: The project should have measurable benefits for both African and Provence regions.
These criteria are designed to highlight entrepreneurs who can bring real value to the ecosystem, providing a wide range of opportunities for African entrepreneurs to grow their ventures through international collaboration.
Communication and Visibility Benefits
One of the significant advantages of participating in the Provence Africa Connect 2024 competition is the high level of visibility provided to the finalists and the winner. Some of the benefits include:
- A 3-minute pitch during the EMERGING Valley Summit on December 3, 2024.
- Multichannel international visibility across all EMERGING Valley platforms.
- Mass production and dissemination of the winner’s video interview.
- Featured in a partner media outlet, offering exposure to a broader audience.
This enhanced visibility will give entrepreneurs and startups the chance to expand their networks and create opportunities for African startups that are looking to scale and gain international recognition.
Support Package by Africalink
The winner of the Provence Africa Connect 2024 competition will also receive a comprehensive support package from Africalink to further their project development in Africa. This support includes:
- Logistical support for an African mission, organized by Africalink, to develop the winning project.
- A free one-year membership in the Africalink network.
- Personalized coaching and mentorship to help formalize, consolidate, and grow the project.
- Networking opportunities in target countries to establish valuable partnerships.
- Support in securing financing to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
This tailored support package is aimed at maximizing the chances of success for startups, providing critical resources to tap into the numerous opportunities for African entrepreneurs.
Custom Funding and Development Package
Beyond the immediate visibility and mentorship benefits, the Provence Africa Connect 2024 competition offers a customized funding package that includes:
- Plug-and-play workspace accommodation to facilitate project development.
- An acceleration program featuring individual coaching sessions, expert consultations, collective workshops, business opportunities, and networking within the innovation and tech ecosystem.
- Access to Marseille Innovation’s fund offering a €45,000 innovation loan (subject to eligibility).
- Participation in a Soft Landing program with connections to African incubators and accelerators for market testing.
This tailor-made funding and development package provides essential resources for startups aiming to establish themselves in Africa and Provence, ensuring they benefit from the best of both worlds.
Deadline and Application Process
Applications for the Provence Africa Connect 2024 competition are open from September 15 to November 15, 2024. Entrepreneurs interested in participating can submit their applications via the following link:
Apply here
The awards ceremony will take place during the EMERGING Valley summit on December 3, 2024, at The Camp, Aix-en-Provence. This is a remarkable opportunity for African entrepreneurs to present their innovative ideas and secure valuable funding and support.
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