In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, SIMAD iLab is pleased to announce Startup Mogadishu, a brandnew training and mentorship program for high-growth and scalable tech startups in Mogadishu. The program targets youth entrepreneurs, with ICT background, who are passionate about mobile apps and web development. Under the project, SIMAD iLab will undertake the following major activities:

About Startup Mogadishu

Startup Mogadishu is a six-month skill-building program that will nurture and produce the next tech founders in Somalia. SIMAD iLab will offer practical sessions related to innovation, mobile apps development, and web programming. We'll also facilitate the program and provide 1-on-1 coaching to the youth to better localize their startup ideas and help them horn marketable skills and gain as much knowledge as possible from the program.

The program will build a comprehensive ecosystem platform that will allow the Somali tech entrepreneurs to get connected with young entrepreneurs in U.S. colleges.

‍Mobile APP development and Web programming:  Twenty young Somalis (50% female) will be trained on mobile apps development and web programing for four months. The participants will attend 2 to 3-hour long classes twice per week. Throughout the sessions, the youth will participate in group discussions, work on practical assignments, and weekly quizzes. Mentors at SIMAD iLab will provide 1-on-1 guidance and share their expertise with the beneficiaries to help participants obtain optimum results.

Skill Application: Development of Startups

Another unique feature of the Startup Mogadishu program is the opportunity to apply the skills acquired during the program. In other words, the young tech entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to develop high-growth scalable tech startups. SIMAD iLab will  facilitate the program and provide a 1-on-1 coaching startup program for 40 youth (50% female) to better localize their startup ideas and help them gain marketable skills and gain as much knowledge as possible from the program.

Startup Mogadishu is accepting applications. Click here to apply.