The Blockchain Association of Uganda (BAU) is calling young entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators to apply for the second edition of the blockchain innovation program. The association made the call during the Kampala Blockchain Summit that was held at Endiro Coffee Academy in Nakasero on Friday last week.
The first cohort of the blockchain innovation program was a collaborative effort led by the BSV Blockchain Association and local partner Capital Survey, which jointly brought together 50 promising young entrepreneurs from across East Africa. The 10-week program provided them with tools and knowledge to create blockchain-based solutions tailored to real-world challenges.
The core mission of the program was twofold: to introduce participants to blockchain technology and equip them with essential business skills. Through a mix of online learning sessions, hands-on meetups, and a hackathon, the 50 participants received a comprehensive education. The hackathon, in particular, proved to be a highlight, where participants pitched their ideas in a competitive setting —which saw LOWA emerge as the winning project —because of its innovative savings and investment platform leveraging blockchain to reduce transaction costs. Aimed at retail investors in Uganda’s capital markets, LOWA empowers micro-investing in government securities, equities, and real estate, all made possible by blockchain’s cost efficiencies.
The success of the first program demonstrated the potential of blockchain as a tool for economic empowerment. Notably, the blockchain landscape in East Africa saw a transformative initiative with the first cohort of the blockchain innovation program.
With a strong reception and significant interest generated, plans for the second cohort are already underway, promising an even larger and more impactful experience. The BSV Blockchain Association and its partners are committed to involving the private and public sectors, enabling more exposure and career opportunities for all participants, not just the winners.
The second blockchain innovation program will foster a vibrant blockchain ecosystem in East Africa, creating pathways for developers and entrepreneurs.
“The second edition of the blockchain innovation program is bigger and better,” said Edline Murungi, Vice President of the Blockchain Association of Uganda. “We call entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators to apply. She added, “If you have someone who you know who could be interested, please let them know.”
Beyond technical training, participants will receive guidance on business fundamentals such as company valuation, capital raising, and market entry strategies. By providing this holistic education, the program will ensure that young entrepreneurs can bring their ideas from concept to market—a crucial step in creating sustainable businesses that could drive local employment and economic growth.
The blockchain innovation program signals an exciting future for blockchain in East Africa —positioning the region as a hub for tech-driven solutions that address local challenges. By bridging the gap between technology and entrepreneurship, the blockchain innovation program is not only shaping the next generation of innovators but also laying the groundwork for a more connected and technologically adept economy.
Criteria to apply for the program;
- Foundational skills in data structures.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript.
- Experience with building tech-centric solutions to real-world challenges.
