Started in 2015 to promote startups in African countries initially, the Startupper of the Year challenge is now back this year and open for startups in almost 60 countries across the globe. The challenge is sponsored by the French Oil and Gas giant, Total.
The Startupper of the Year Challenge aims to support projects and ideas that are innovative, address social improvements to problems affecting local populations, are feasible and have the potential to benefit the community at large.
Three winners from each participating country will be selected, who will then receive financial support, coaching, and publicity. There will also be six grand regional winners who will be offered additional support.
The criteria on which the startups will be assessed include:
- Degree of innovation
- The overall impact on the community
- Potential feasibility
What’s more, the challenge has a Top Female Entrepreneur category that is aimed at encouraging female entrepreneurs.
The challenge is exclusively designed for young people between 18 to 35 years (max) of age or start-up enterprises less than 2 years old run by individuals falling under the age limits prescribed- working to create a positive impact in their communities.
Startupper of the Year challenge is more than just a business challenge as it reaffirms Total’s commitment to capacity building worldwide. By enabling young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality, the challenge aims to strengthen the social fabric of the local communities.
The registrations for the challenge will close on 13th November 2018. Participants in Pakistan can register for the challenge by visiting the Startupper of the Year (or Startupper.total.com) website.
