Airbus BizLab a global aerospace business accelerator has launched the #Africa4Future initiative that targets East African startups that are innovating for the future applicable to the aerospace business. The Airbus Bizlab brings together start-ups and Airbus’ own entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into valuable businesses more quickly by combining scale and agility.
There is a lot of competition in the aerospace industry as such Airbus aims to accelerate the pace at which it can commercialize ideas. As such the Airbus Bizlab is important in this strategy. BizLab creates a network of Business Accelerators to provide support to startups and turn these ideas and technologies into commercial reality. It enhances Airbus’s access to the newest ideas, technologies and ways of working in the aerospace sector and beyond.
Through programmes such as the #Africa4Future, Airbus provides early-stage projects with wide-ranging support. This is in the form of a six-month accelerator programme. This programme gives startups access to a large number of coaches, experts and mentors in various fields such as technology, legal, finance, marketing , communication, easing prototyping and market access.
As part of the initiative, the BizLab will have a challenge where startups who dabble in aerospace technologies which encompasses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Satellite Operations and Imagery, 3D printing, smart sensors, Internet of Things (IOT), smart energy and Artificial Intelligence. Will have a chance to pitch and the winner will get a chance to win a fully paid 10 day trip to Europe in October/November. During the trip, they will get a chance to meet and interact with aerospace experts. They will be able to work on their solutions/project and if it advances well enough they can partner with Airbus Bizlab to see it to the product stage.
Startups that are in line with the Airbus vision can apply for the accelerator by 6th September here novatoafrica.com/africa4future.
Update
Deadline for applying for Airbus Bizlab has been extended to 8th September 2016. Apply here novatoafrica.com/africa4future.
10 startups that pre-qualify will pitch on Tuesday 26th of September at Chandaria Business and Incubation Center at Kenyatta University.