The application window for DEMO 2014 has finally closed with VC4Africa confirming that 27 African countries are represented this year.

Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana have the highest applicants while the industries that have attracted the greatest focus  include; Communication, Retail and Media & Entertainment. “The entrepreneurs who are accepted as applicants should make sure their profiles are brushed up to convince the judges,” said Ben White founder of  VC4Africa. 

Winner will win up to USD 500’000 in equity investment
The one-day event will see the best-in-class start-ups pitch their ideas in front of a regional jury panel of judges. The 30 finalists of the regional events will be invited to Switzerland to participate in a 4-day bootcamp and the grand finale where they will compete in front of an international jury and European investors, one winner will win up to USD 500’000 in equity investment.

Chance to launch products to an ecosystem
The best forty start-ups will have a chance to launch their products to an ecosystem of VCs, investors, tech acquisition specialists, IT buyers and media from across the region and around the globe. Before launching, the startups will undergo a one and a half month coaching and mentorship program organized by DEMO Africa and the US State Department. The program will be coordinated by Dr Susan Amat, CEO, VentureHive and will include both local and international mentors and coaches.

DEMO Africa 2014 is scheduled to take place between 22nd and 26th of September at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. This year’s event is being organized in collaboration with the LIONS@FRICA partners (Microsoft, Nokia, US State Department, DEMO, USAID, African Development Bank, VC4Africa among others) and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies.