AB4IR Incubation Programme

About the program

Africa Beyond the Fourth Industrial Revolution (AB4IR) is a Digital Innovation Hub founded on the market need to redress the digital divide apparent in previously disadvantaged communities of South Africa. Our programmes expose disadvantaged communities to the ICT sector focusing on gaming, animation, virtual reality, and drone technology. We introduce start-up entrepreneurs to new trends in technology and advise them on how to incubate their ideas for market access and commercialise their innovations.

What are the requirements to join as an entrepreneur?

Applicants to the AB4IR Incubation Programme must meet the following criteria:

-Be a resident of South Africa, preferably from a previously disadvantaged or underserved community.

-Have a tech-based or digital innovation aligned with sectors such as gaming, VR, AR, animation, drone technology, or other ICT fields.

-Be at the early stage of entrepreneurship with a clear concept or prototype, but not necessarily generating revenue.

-Be committed to participating fully in the incubation activities over the period.

-Demonstrate passion and potential for growth, impact, and sustainability in their business idea.

-Basic computer literacy and access to a digital device (laptop or desktop) with internet connectivity.

Sign up

Days

Hours

This program is no longer accepting applications.

Organizer

AB4IR

Town / Region

South Africa

Sectors accepted for this program

Join as a mentor and help entrepreneurs in Africa achieve success!

We are looking for mentors who are committed to joining our incubation program. If you have a passion for entrepreneurship, have at least 5 years of professional experience and are committed to reviewing and monitoring your entrepreneur’s work before mentoring meetings, we want you to join us! We envision a fair, efficient and meritocratic society where innovation belongs to everyone. Sign up today and help Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs succeed!

Program Timeline

Apply to participate in the program

Until September 15, 2025

Tell us more about yourself and your project by submitting your application. Our team will evaluate all applications from entrepreneurs and mentors who apply to the program.

Confirmation of selected profiles

Until 17 October 2025

We will review the completed applications through a selection process and select the participants for this edition of the programme.

Participate in the welcome session

18 and 19 January 2024

You will be invited to participate in an information session to welcome you to the incubation programme. In this session we will cover the programme schedule, your role, the role of mentors, the use of incubation tools to help you work on your business and much more.

Matching

Training of work pairs for entrepreneurs/mentors - 19 January - 31 January

Take part in our matching process! You will have the possibility to meet with the volunteer mentors from our Community that you think will be the best match for you and your project. Once you have met several mentors, both you and they will send us their preferences to let us know who they want to work with and we will make the best teams.

Start the incubation program

February - June 2024

Start the hybrid incubation experience with mentoring sessions, working tools and structured development. You will have 5 months to complete the incubation cycle and develop your validated business plan.

You will work weekly with your personal mentor in one-on-one sessions to go through the 8 business modules.
You will have the incubation team on hand at all times to answer any questions you may have.
You will finish the programme developing a business plan and executive summary ready to present to potential investors.

Completion of incubation program

June 2024

Do you have any questions about the program?

Contact Khensani Nkuna, Incubation Manager of the program to answer all your questions.

This program is part of

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