The Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative is calling on all entrepreneurs and startups from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Turkey to submit applications for the 2013 GIST Tech-I Competition, from now until June 17, 2013. The GIST Initiative is implemented by CRDF Global.
Now in its third year, the GIST Tech-I Competition will help launch the idea or grow the business of the most promising entrepreneurs in these emerging economies through seed funding, training, networking and by providing mentoring from the best entrepreneurs in the world, along with angel investors and venture capitalists.
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Entrepreneurs and startups must submit a Go-To-Market Plan consisting of an executive summary directed to investors, and a two-minute promotional video of the product or service created for customers. This year applications will be considered within two tracks: idea and startup stage. Ninety quarterfinalists, will be selected by experts within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and their videos will be posted online for public voting.
Following the online public voting, thirty semifinalists will be invited to the workshop, pitch session, and awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2013. Competition winners will receive grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, in addition to mentorship, networking and increased visibility. The application with the greatest number of public votes for the video voting portion of the competition will receive an iPad®.
Register for the GIST Tech-I Competition here: http://gist.crdfglobal.org/gist-programs/gist-tech-i-competition. See the 2012 and 2011 winners.
The GIST Initiative builds entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Middle East, Turkey, Asia, and Africa by identifying, coaching, and funding the most promising technology entrepreneurs through:
- Flagship competitions
- Start-up acceleration services
- Interactive video conferences
- Interactive mentorship programs
- Online social media platforms
