The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has released 100 startups in Uganda that will pitch experts in order to qualify for the second round of NIISP, or National ICT Initiatives Support Programme.
NIISP is a multi-billion five-year project that is being implemented by the ICT and National Guidance ministry.
The overall goal of NIISP, according to the government, is to create a sustainable ecosystem for ICT innovations and to support ICT innovators and application developers.
Applications for the second round of NIISP were conducted online and the deadline for applying was January 24, 2019.
This year saw the number of applicants more than double, with 665 startups in Ugandan submitting applications compared to only three hundred in 2018.
Applications were received and evaluated by the committee of experts which was appointed the Minister of ICT and National Guidance Frank Tumwebaze, according to a statement released the Ministry.
The shortlisted 100 applicants will now pitch a committee comprised of officials from different ministries.
“A short list of 100 applicants have been selected to pitch to the committee assisted by representatives from the respective government ministries where the innovation is relevant,” the statement reads.
This activity will take place on April 16-18, 2019.
It is not yet clear how many startups will benefit from the Fund this year but last year only 12 were picked.
The second round of NIISP has been dominated by applications from the Health sector, with 21 projects submitted, followed by Public sector management (19), then Agriculture (18) and Education (17). The rest were not categorized.
Some the startups on the list are Jaguza Livestock app, Yunga, KAINOafrica, Yo-Waste, Cinnamon App, FikaSalama, Akatale app, eLunda, Hakuna Mchezo, My Doctors app, Young Engineers, Xente and Mwalimu app.
According to the ICT ministry, “the applicants that will not be directly supported will be availed working spaces at the various ICT innovation hubs.”
#NIISP_Shortlist_Alert
Following the second call for ICT innovation proposals that closed on 24th Jan 2019
100 applicants have been selected to pitch to the selection committee.
Kindly check the list. @Tybisa @FrankTumwebazek @MoICT_Ug @GCICUganda pic.twitter.com/m0eJz69iQm— National ICT Support Program ?? (@NIISP_ICT) April 10, 2019
