Iraq’s first Tech-Entrepreneurship Academy
UKMENAHUB partners with Re:Coded in Erbil to launch Iraq’s first Tech-Entrepreneurship Academy.
Highly structured new programme will help aspiring young entrepreneurs in the Erbil region of Northern Iraq to build successful tech businesses and enter the digital economy.
Running throughout September 2018, the Academy will focus on core startup skills, leveraging the internet for success and helping participants build the foundations to secure funding and develop viable businesses.
UKMENAHUB is leading content delivery throughout the four week programme to support the growing tech ecosystem in Northern Iraq and the MENA region as a whole.
Applications for the Academy are open now for startups, with a preference for established teams. Zahra Shah, Re:Coded Iraq’s Program Manager, explains “we’re encouraging applications from teams because we want to highlight the power of collaboration and foster teamwork. We also know that in the startup world, strong teams are often more successful.”
Upon completion all participating teams will exit with an MVP and at least two businesses will be funding-ready. UK:MENA Hub will continue to work with these startups in the longer term to link them with investment and growth opportunities in the UK ecosystem and beyond.
Marcello Bonatto, Re:Coded’s Co-Founder, said “We not only wanted to provide training to Iraqi youth in becoming entrepreneurs but also turn their ideas into actual businesses. It’s important for us to show that tech-businesses are a viable future for the youth in Iraq.”
Tom Strodtbeck, Co-Founder of UK:MENA Hub said, “We’re very excited to be working with Re:Coded on this exciting programme. We’re bringing together the connectivity at the heart of UK:MENA hub with the amazing Re:Coded network to give some of the brightest startup talent in Iraq the chance to shine. We want these entrepreneurs to become leaders in their community and drive these countries forward through technology as they rebuild.”
Applications for the Academy are now open. Find out more: http://bit.ly/recodedtech
The Tech Entrepreneurship Academy in Erbil is supported by the German Federal Government and implemented in cooperation with GIZ.
UKMENAHUB is a Digital Launchpad for ambitious businesses ready to expand globally through London and an engine to accelerate market access and deal flow for UK businesses looking to make investments into the MENA’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
Re:Coded is a humanitarian non-profit working to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the mindset, skills and confidence to launch their own scalable tech startups. Since 2016, Re:Coded has trained more than 350 children and youth how to code in Turkey and Iraq, helping to create a community of tech leaders in the Middle East and beyond.
Programme Details
Deadline to apply: 25 August 2018 at 11:59 PM (Iraq Time)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a matchmaking weekend on 31 Aug and 1 Sep.
Start Date: 2 September 2018
End Date: 29th September 2018
Location: Erbil
Duration: 4 weeks
Requirements: Good English skills and a tech-based business idea
Cost: Free (limited financial support is available based on vulnerability)
