Deadline: 13-Aug-21
Are you working on something that you think could reshape media or journalism in sub-Saharan? Do you have skills you could apply to creating great new media? Do you have the energy and commitment to create something great? If yes, then apply to join the Jamlab Accelerator Programme (JAP)!
The Journalism and Media Lab (Jamlab) Accelerator Programme (JAP) is a six-month hothouse programme for early-stage journalism and media start-ups. It provides teams with the tools, facilities, contacts, and support necessary to realise their ideas and ambitions.
The programme offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your initiative. It will provide you with the tools, facilities, contacts, and support necessary to convert your ideas and ambitions into a commercially viable venture or product.
Twenty-four (24) teams have taken part in four iterations of the accelerator, with six of them succeeding in securing additional investment immediately after the programme.
This sub-Saharan Africa accelerator programme they are running will largely take place virtually due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions imposed by numerous countries in Africa and globally. The programme will run from September 2021 to February 2022.
What do you get?
- Virtual mentorship and coaching from experienced media, startup and tech experts and entrepreneurs.
- Free places on a three-month Media Entrepreneurship course offered by Wits Journalism.
- Access to a technical support development team.
- Opportunities to pitch to potential investors, funders and various stakeholders with an MVP (minimum viable product).
- Access to network which includes but not limited to Programme Alumni.
- The Jamlab is looking for committed and creative journalists and media makers who are passionate about fixing what isn’t working in sub-Saharan African media. They are looking for startups that want to create innovative products or services to serve new audiences, or bring new conversations or ideas to the public.
- Jamlab welcomes applications from ALL countries across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those in Benin; Burkina Faso; Cote de Ivoire; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mozambique; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Togo and Zambia.
- Innovators, media makers and entrepreneurs with a great idea and the commitment to create and sustain a new journalism or media venture. Innovators, media makers and entrepreneurs who lead an existing journalism or media venture that they want to grow and develop.
- Starting or growing a new venture is challenging work so they encourage people to apply as a team of at least two people who are able to commit all or a substantial majority of their time to their project. Larger teams are also welcomed.
- This programme will be based on a significant amount of “virtual face-to-face” interaction so applicants must have a stable internet connection.
- They are especially keen to see women and women led teams apply.
For more information, visit https://jamlab.africa/apply-for-the-2021-22-jamlab-accelerator-programme-southern-africa/