Ride-hailing giant Bolt has revealed the 20 finalists selected to participate in the two-week Bootcamp phase of its accelerator program, Den. The chosen drivers, hailing from Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, and Kwara, are gearing up for the pitch day scheduled for November 20, 2023. On this day, they will present their innovative ideas to a distinguished panel of judges spanning various sectors, including technology, banking, and education.
The judges will thoroughly scrutinize and vet the ideas, ultimately shortlisting the top 10 drivers who will receive €2,000 in seed funding and access to a 6-week business mentorship program. Bolt, in collaboration with The Nest Innovation Park, aims to support business plans developed by Nigerian drivers aligning with its Africa City Vision, centered around sustainable transport.
The Accelerator Program is a collaborative effort with The Nest, leveraging their network of mentors to assist eligible drivers in refining their business plans before the pitch day. Ewoma Jerry-Ogeme, Public Policy Specialist for Bolt in Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, acknowledging the vital role drivers play in shaping the future of mobility. She highlighted the excitement of witnessing the evolution of ideas during the ideation process.
Programs Manager at The Nest, Paradise Okoronkwo, echoed this sentiment during the induction of the 20 drivers into Bootcamp, commending their innovation, determination, and talent. She emphasized that this marked the beginning of a transformative experience for the selected participants.
The culmination of the Bolt Den initiative is set for November 21st, featuring a grand finale and an Award Ceremony. Simultaneously, the Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum will release a new study titled “Shared Mobility’s Global Impact” in Africa and Europe. During the event, the top ten drivers with the most innovative ideas will be announced. Dr. Andreas Nienhaus, Head of the Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum, will delve into the economic, social, and environmental impact of shared mobility, shedding light on the sector’s potential to contribute to the ongoing development of African transport systems.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate