Tuesday 14th May 2019 Lagos, Nigeria. Facebook and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) have started accepting applications for Season 2 of the FbStart Accelerator and have opened the program to Ghanian innovators as well. If you’re building a solution that leverages advanced technologies (AI, IoT, Data Science & Extended Reality) in Nigeria and Ghana, the accelerator is designed to help you grow.

As a renewal of its commitment in supporting young innovators and entrepreneurs across Africa, Facebook announced Season 2 following the successful launch of the programme in 2018, which saw 15 startup and student teams graduate on April 12th 2019. As at April 2019, the graduating teams had cumulatively raised $400,000+ in investments and grants.

FbStart Accelerator Season 2 will be made up of 12 student and startup teams receiving up to $20,000 in equity-funding, one-on-one mentorship from Facebook & CcHUB, access to corporates, industry experts, $16,000 in product credits and more. Interested teams can apply via www.cchubnigeria.com/fbstart, with applications open until 30th of June, 2019.

Kendra Nnachi, Startups and Developer Programs Manager at Facebook, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing back the FbStart Accelerator programme to Nigeria for the second year, and now expanding this to applicants from Ghana. Given our passion for connecting people and helping developers and entrepreneurs to thrive, we can’t wait to see how this year’s cohort develop and build solutions and technology to engage and empower people across Nigeria, Ghana and potentially the continent.”

Commenting on the impact of the program, one of the founders in the 2018 cohort, Moses Olafenwa, CEO of DeepQuestAI said “The FbStart Accelerator program has incredibly transformed our team from aspiring innovators to world-class solution creators. Our team had the best possible support from some of the most diligent tech facilitators in addition to the immense financial and infrastructural support we got”

“We are thrilled to be renewing our support to innovators who are building the future of Africa today. By renewing our partnership with Facebook, we would continue to deepen adoption of advanced technologies across Africa and inspire the next generation of innovators to compete globally” – Bosun Tijani, Chief Executive Officer/Co-founder, CcHUB.

Like in 2018, Facebook, CcHUB and partner hubs will also hold roadshow events in 10 states across the country, aimed at enlightening students and entrepreneurs about deep-tech, whilst encouraging them to build solutions with advanced technologies and promote the program.

To register to attend an event close to you, visit bit.ly/fbstartroadshow19