In keeping with our solutions-based approach, Osiri University welcomes applications from Africans on the continent who are ready to learn what it takes to contribute or create solutions in 1) Arts and Culture, 2) Food Product Development, and 3) Information and Communication Technology. We will support enterprising men and women who are striving to create innovative solutions either for their own personal venture or for the direct benefit of their community. Any idea connected to any of the three sectors would be considered. An example is a fashion designer or farmer who is using Internet of Things (IoT) or the power of the internet to enable their business. Participants will compete for 1 million naira or the equivalent in their home country. At the end of the 8-week program (starting August 23, 2021), ten outstanding learners (Omsomis) will receive support in the form of mentorship and investment loan totaling US$50,000 in cash and other valuable resources.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be coachable.
- You must be in your final year or have completed a Bachelor’s degree or a tertiary education program within the last 5 years.
- You must be an African living in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- You must have an innovative idea in one of the following areas:
1) Arts and Culture (e.g. poetry, creative writing, visual arts, etc.)
2) Food Product Development (e.g. new product, spoilage solutions, packaging, etc.)
3) Information and Communication Technology, ICT, (e.g. design venture, IOT, etc.)
- You must be willing to start (or have already started) exploring how to implement your idea in order to make your life or your community better and more beautiful.
- You must demonstrate that you need technical support to develop and implement your idea.
- You must record and send a video link (60 second maximum) of yourself explaining your idea.
- You must meet the above requirements if competing alone, or your partner or someone in your team must meet the requirements.
Apply by August 15, 2021 with three items: 1) your CV or resume, 2) a one-page cover letter explaining why you should be selected for the Unleash Program, and 3) a no-longer-than 60-second video explaining your sample work.