Embarking on a mission to ignite a spark of entrepreneurial brilliance, the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) is calling for ambitious young minds to seize a life-changing opportunity. With applications closing on the 15th of July 2023, this groundbreaking program aspires to incubate over 1,000 budding entrepreneurs, propelling Uganda's startup ecosystem to new heights. The goal is clear: to fuel youth employment and cultivate a thriving landscape of youth-led businesses.

At the core of YSAU lies a commitment to equipping young Ugandans with the essential skills and resources to foster innovation and create globally competitive enterprises. This transformative initiative encompasses an array of invaluable services, from providing access to cutting-edge manufacturing and maker spaces, to facilitating mobile app testing and offering collaborative workspaces. Expert coaches, both local and international, stand ready to guide and mentor participants, while exposure to international markets and connections with investors pave the way for success.

By nurturing youth-led entrepreneurship, YSAU directly confronts the pervasive issue of high youth unemployment, paving a path towards a more prosperous and innovative economy. Leveraging the power of technology, this program empowers young minds to conceive and develop groundbreaking solutions to local and global challenges. With a steadfast vision, YSAU strives to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's most competitive hubs.

The brainchild of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Korean SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), YSAU is implemented by HIVE COLAB, a renowned community-owned co-working hub and startup incubator. Supported by the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, as well as Korea's Official Development Assistance (ODA), this initiative benefits from a network of esteemed partners committed to driving its success.

As a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), the ITC plays a pivotal role as a key sponsor of YSAU. Their support encompasses vital training, mentorship, and networking activities that provide young entrepreneurs in Uganda with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the global marketplace.

In South Korea, the KOSME stands as a dedicated government agency promoting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recognizing the immense potential of tech-driven entrepreneurship, KOSME lends its support as a key sponsor of YSAU, contributing funding and resources to foster job creation and economic growth among Uganda's youth.

Fueling the local tech ecosystem, HIVE COLAB assumes the role of the key local implementing partner for YSAU. With their unwavering commitment to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, HIVE COLAB empowers young entrepreneurs to flourish within the program.

Meanwhile, the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U), a government agency responsible for shaping the nation's information technology policy, serves as a vital sponsor of YSAU. Through their support for training and capacity building activities, NITA-U plays a crucial role in equipping young Ugandans with the skills necessary to thrive in the dynamic tech industry.

Furthermore, Korea's Official Development Assistance, a government agency committed to providing development assistance worldwide, stands as a key sponsor of YSAU. By offering funding and support for activities that drive job creation and economic development in Uganda, they play a pivotal role in the program's success.

In conclusion, the Youth Startup Academy Uganda represents an extraordinary initiative that not only fosters youth-led entrepreneurship but also generates boundless opportunities for Uganda's young population. With its unwavering focus on innovation, this program paves the way for a sustainable, prosperous, and globally competitive startup ecosystem, firmly placing Uganda on the map of entrepreneurial excellence.