Rwandan start-ups win over Rwf100mn innovation award

Rwandan start-ups BPN Rwanda and BAG Innovation have recently made waves by clinching a hefty 100,000 euro prize from the Tech Entrepreneurship Initiative Make IT in Africa's Partners in Acceleration contest. Youssouf Ntwali, co-founder of BAG Innovation, caught up with CNBC Africa to delve deeper into their plans for the prize winnings and the future of their initiatives. BPN Rwanda, in collaboration with BAG Innovation, has been instrumental in offering experience-based learning opportunities for university students in Rwanda. Ntwali shed light on their collaborative application for the Partners in Acceleration Innovation Fund for Hubs, aimed at supporting education technology start-ups grappling with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The duo's joint efforts were met with resounding success as they were awarded 100,000 euros for their innovative approach. Upon delving into the utilization of the prize money, Ntwali revealed that a substantial portion of the funds, approximately $70,000 U.S. dollars, will be directed towards setting up a core workspace for the supported start-ups. The initiative will encompass offering a free working space for the start-ups over the next three months, mentoring sessions, and high-quality training programs facilitated by expert trainers. Education technology start-ups have experienced a surge in demand due to the shift towards online learning necessitated by the pandemic. Ntwali highlighted the positive impacts felt by their company during this period, with increased partnerships with universities and a spike in user numbers. The unique positioning of education tech companies in catering to the growing online education market has been advantageous for their growth. However, the pandemic did pose challenges for BAG Innovation's business-to-business model initially, as many companies halted hiring processes. Nonetheless, the company swiftly adapted by leveraging their university product and student-focused initiatives to navigate the evolving landscape. Looking ahead, Ntwali shared exciting prospects for Bag Innovation's forthcoming three-month accelerator program dedicated to education technology companies in Rwanda. The accelerator aims to spotlight innovative solutions and address prevailing challenges in the education sector. By fostering a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs to innovate and upscale, the program seeks to drive positive change within the industry. Ntwali provided insights into some of the education tech companies making strides in Rwanda, featuring Academic Bridge, a trailblazer in digitizing school processes to enhance decision-making and efficiency within educational institutions. Furthermore, BAG Innovation's gamification-driven approach towards career development for university students showcases their commitment to revolutionizing the education landscape. The overarching goal of BAG Innovation revolves around instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in young individuals and equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the job market. By bridging the gap between academia and practical industry challenges, the company endeavors to empower students with relevant skills and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. As Rwanda's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to flourish, initiatives like the Partners in Acceleration contest serve as catalysts for driving innovation and creating opportunities for the next generation of start-ups. By championing education technology and youth entrepreneurship, BPN Rwanda and BAG Innovation are poised to leave a lasting impact on Rwanda's vibrant start-up scene.