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The future just got even brighter! Yes! Brighter for the 12 tech startups that are marching home with a total of $2 million in grant funding from Google. These 12 Startups came out tops in the just concluded Google Impact Challenge Nigeria- an initiative by the search giant to support the growth of local businesses. The Impact Challenge calls for innovative, non-profit businesses that are looking to create scalable economic opportunities in their local communities. The challenge is set to run in select African countries including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. Each country will produce 12 finalists who would be eligible for a $2million grant funding as well as expert training and support from Google on how to go about executing their ideas. As per selecting the challenge winner, the 12 finalists as chosen from initial submissions will be put up for public vote. Then after a pitching session by the 12 qualifiers, a panel of experts serving as judges for the challenge would select the best three winning ideas. The judges’ selection plus the idea with the highest public vote makes up the 4 winners of the challenge. Each of the 4 winners walk away with $250,000 grant each,while the other eight finalists get $125,000 grant. All 12 finalists will also receive training from Google.

This year’s winner as chosen by public vote is Vetsark, an Agro-Startup that’s helping farmers defeat pests and diseases. Their Alpha Prime Disease Surveillance Technology which is yet to launch, will help to predict, prevent, and control pests and disease outbreaks in Nigeria. The company was founded by Dr. Kayode Femi – an expert veterinary doctor and surgeon, and Mene Blessing – an expert social entrepreneur and scientist. The other three winners are: HelpMum– an initiative that seeks to curb maternal mortality by providing birth kits for pregnant women; Project Enable Africa – a project that provides access to Digital Hubs for persons with disabilities; and Cece Yara Foundation – a platform that seeks to help children experiencing sexual abuse in Nigeria. Check out the full list of finalists here. Some of the members of the judging panel include: MI Abaga, Rapper and CEO of Chocolate City Music Group; John Momoh, Chairman and CEO of Channels Media Group; Parminder Vir OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu Foundation; Kanu Nwankwo OON, Ex Footballer and CEO of Kanu Heart Foundation; Mo Abudu, Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV; Juliet Ehimuan, Country Director, Google Nigeria, and a host of other distinguished business leaders.

Feature Image Source: Impact Challenge

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This article was first published on 3rd December 2018

tobenna-ezike

Tobenna is a writer, programmer and musician who is passionate about God, tech, and music. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the icons below.