Bringing small businesses’ and entrepreneurs’ ideas to life is the objective of SqwidNet’s IoT Entrepreneurship Programme called (IoT)E – IoT to the power of E.
The programme is to enable entrepreneurs to enter the world of the internet of things (IoT) and become part of the broader ecosystem.
Now in its second iteration, the licensed Sigfox IoT network operator in South Africa is calling on entrepreneurs and small ICT companies to submit their applications to form part of the next intake of entrepreneurs who will be given the tools they need to make their ideas a reality.
“The IoT ecosystem remains quite fragmented and we believe that through making it more accessible to entrepreneurs we can help in solidifying that ecosystem,” says Phathizwe Malinga, acting CEO at SqwidNet.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online and a group of 60 entrepreneurs will be selected to go through the programme. It kicks off with a three-day workshop to teach participants more about IoT and Sigfox as a technology.
Participants will learn to build an end-to-end IoT solution where they will have the opportunity to engage with experts on device building, cloud, platform and applications. Thereafter, they will be given training from business doctors to help them start up their business. Participants will have access to their business and technology mentors twice a month to ensure they are equipped with all the tools they need to bring their ideas to life.
The programme will culminate in the opportunity for the participating entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to a panel of potential investors. SqwidNet has endeavoured its best to empower participants with the appropriate tools through every stage of the entrepreneurship game.
“At SqwidNet we enable innovation through IoT. It is important to note that this programme is not limited to entrepreneurs with a history of working in electronics. We are looking for unique ideas that can drive meaningful impact both in business and in people’s lives,” says Malinga. “Applications will be assessed based on the uniqueness of the IoT device being proposed and the need for such a device in an existing market.”
If you are an entrepreneur with an engineering or ICT background with an idea, submit your CV and motivation to iotep@sqwidnet.com.
The deadline for applicants to submit their ideas is the end of August and successful participants will be notified by early September.
