The University Accelerator Programme is a programme developed to target the university students and youth at large in the ideation stage. The purpose of this is assist the students grow their ideas into viable businesses through entrepreneurship, pitch training, forming a company profile.
We are working with various universities for example Makerere University, Uganda Christian University. Hive Colab in conjunction with Makerere University Innovation and Incubation Centre, Uganda Christian University Mukono, Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology respectively developed a curriculum with emphasis on entrepreneurship and using technology as an enabler for their businesses.
The program is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge that is key for them to develop their ideas into viable businesses. In partnership with the universities, Hive Colab through a schedule is allowed to teach and also provide mentorship to the startups through the accepted curriculum and also the university students the opportunity to use the co working space free of charge with the reliable internet as a resource of the students to grow and develop their business.
The University accelerator has attracted a lot of interest with the emphasis of reaching out to the grass roots to encourage them and change their mid shape to entrepreneurship and innovation through technology as well. For example, Uganda Investment Authority, National Social Security Fund, MasterCard Foundation.
Hive Colab is looking to impact youth through this program in not only financial institutions but also in communities where youth are densely populated for example Hive Colab and its presence in Northern Uganda reaching out and training young small holder farmers from as early as 15 years of age.
Hive Colab Mbarara designed an initiative called Code Pro Club for students to prepare them for life after school with training in vocational skills, trainings on communication, leadership and analytical skills that will be necessary in the job market after completing their education.