THE BAHAMAS-BASED Kanoo Innovation Hub is looking for local businesses, which will receive technical support and training to develop and expand technology-based businesses.
The hub is an innovation accelerator designed in collaboration with Draper University, a leading leader in accelerator programs in Silicon Valley, United States.
Kanoo accelerates startups by equipping participants with the tools, methods, and funding to identify problems and develop new solutions.
Speaking recently at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) online discussion program, ‘Studio 58A’, the founder of the hub, Davina Bain, said successful applicants will be trained in many weeks to translate their ideas into what he called ‘minimum school. goods’.
The deadline for applications is November 15, and those using the signature code – ‘Studio 58A’ – will have priority during the selection process. Fans can visit kanooinnovationhub.com for demanding applications.
“We have created a direct bridge to Silicon Valley and Draper University to tap into their business network. This is also a way for entrepreneurs in the Caribbean to connect and share ideas in one ecosystem, to ensure businesses can scale in the region before expanding globally,” Bain said.
He added that the organization is focused on supporting entrepreneurs with new ideas that use technology to solve problems or build on solutions that can be used in the region.
“We have three levels in this progressive program. You have the first part, which is two weeks. In February, we [will] to have the second stage, the pre-acceleration; that will happen for four weeks. The top 30 from the program will graduate, then the top 10 will go on to an immersion program in Silicon Valley,” the four Bain explained further.
The head of partnerships and business development at Draper University, Khadija Ghazi, said that the courses are run by other entrepreneurs who have built businesses in the technology industry.
“We only bring in entrepreneurs, people who have built houses, people who have pivoted, people who have failed, and people who have raised money who are giving things away. We also have Discord groups, where we have discussions, and the when you’re surrounded by other entrepreneurs who share ideas about what they’re working on,” Ghazi said.
He also said that after the training, the entrepreneurs will also be part of a community that will receive mentors and other types of support.
“What I appreciate the most [is], not a ‘chop’ after two weeks. You will be part of the largest business community in the world. Did you learn something that you haven’t yet been able to apply? You come back for advice, mentoring or funding [support, and] you will continue to be part of this ecosystem,” Ghazi explained.
JIS
