TotalEnergies is set to empower 100 startup businesses from 32 African countries of presence, in the 4th edition of the ‘Startupper of the Year Challenge’ to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
General Manager, TotalEnergies Country Services, Dr Adesuwa Adewole, stated that the 4th edition of the challenge reaffirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting the socio-economic development of African countries in which the company has presence.
She added that the challenge strengthens the social fabric in local communities by helping the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs carry out their projects; where 365 winners selected from among some 40,000 applications received, have been rewarded and supported worldwide since 2015.
She said: “For this 2024/2025 edition of the challenge, TotalEnergies will support, and reward 3 young entrepreneurs each from all 32 countries of presence, and 4 Pan African winners aged 18 to 35 who have a business creation project or a startup under three years old, in any business sector.
“A local jury comprised of experts, business leaders, startup ecosystem participants, local sustainability stakeholders and representatives from TotalEnergies Nigeria will also select three winners in: Innov’Up winner, for the best entrepreneur; Cycle’Up winner, for the best project relating to the circular economy; and Power’Up winner, for the best project relating to sustainable, affordable energy. Four additional projects in the Power’Up category will be selected by an international jury.
Dr Adewole stated further that all project entries will be assessed against four criteria: Relevance to sustainable development challenges, innovation, feasibility and development potential, and respect for gender equality and inclusion of women in the project.
She said, “Each winner will become a ‘Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies’ and will benefit from a monetary award of N8,000,000.00 (eight million naira), personalised support and a communication campaign to enhance their project’s visibility. Winners will also have the opportunity to promote their projects during a celebratory event, the details of which will be released at a later date.”
She said registration opens on 13th May, 2024, online, and applicants will then have until 18th June, 2024 to complete their applications.
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