NINJA Startup Gateway Application 2021 – $8000 Free Funding, Mentorship, and Free CAC Registration for Your Ideas and Startup
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with Aiivon Innovation Hub launch the first edition NINJA Startup Gateway in Abuja.
Table of Contents
What is NINJA Startup Gateway?
NINJA Start-up Gateway is a project designed to support startups by accelerating their business development, along with opportunities for potential investment and exposure. The NINJA here is an acronym for Next Innovation with Japan which further highlights Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) as a key partner in this project.
Read also: NEDIS COVID-19 Special Fund Grant
Read also: Canada Fund for Local Initiatives in Nigeria
Facts About the Next Innovation with Japan
The Next Innovation with Japan (NINJA) is a startup support initiative by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched in January 2020, to promote innovation and the creation of new businesses in emerging countries.
The project was first launched in Kenya as JICA’s first acceleration program in Africa with the aim of empowering Kenya’s high-growth post-revenue ventures with strategic partnerships, mentorships, and access to investments for enhanced business growth and continued social development in the country.
Who Can Apply for NINJA Start-up Gateway?
This program is open to all Nigerians between the ages of 18- 35 years who have an innovative idea and wish to push their startup through well-structured mentorship and a business acceleration program backed up with funding opportunities of up to $8,000. See the list of other eligibility requirements below
Read also: Global Fund for Women Grant
Eligibility
Applicants who are willing to do the following and meets the criteria below are eligible to apply;
- Individuals/Groups who will establish a company that is legally incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria and start a business in Nigeria during this program.
- The team leaders must be between the age of 18 and 35.
- Individual/Groups who can participate in all the training/events of the program.
- Sector: all sectors are welcome. Businesses that have a feasible business plan that tackles social issues with an innovative product(s) or service(s) using emerging technology are also welcomed.
- Individuals/Groups that reside in Abuja or are able to get accommodation in Abuja for the duration of the incubation program(3 months). JICA does not provide accommodation etc. The applicants cover it by themselves.
Note that Proposals from the existing (already incorporated) organizations will not be considered.
Read also: Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs Empowerment Funds
Read also: She Leads Africa Accelerator Funding for Entrepreneurs in Nigeria
Benefits of the Program
Successful applicants for this program will be eligible to get the following;
- Access to Free 3 Months Business incubation program
- Up to $8,000 funding to cover costs associated with the remuneration of staff of your proposed activities.
- Access to strategic partnerships
- Free mentorship
- Free workspace
- Free CAC, FIRS, and support for legal business registrations
- Free Access to JICA’s meetings and international conferences and
- Other benefits
Read also: Federal Government and Private Loans For Businesses and Personal Use
How to Apply NINJA Start-up Gateway Application 2021
Interested and eligible individuals and groups who wish to apply for this program are to complete their application form online by visiting the NINJA Startup Gateway application portal at https://hub.aiivon.com/ninja/
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for this program is 23rd July 2021.
