About the program

The Open Innovation program aims to accelerate GreenTech and Smart Community solutions, from startups that can later be scaled. Hence why it is termed an "early-stage acceleration program".

The OIP problem-centric approach brings together different actors in the innovation ecosystem through agile practices. To this end, with our partners, we support startups in making their innovations market-ready with user and supplier feedback. We do this through a collaborative approach between startups, large enterprises, focusing on market challenges and finding viable solutions. The goal is to rollout the solutions and successfully scale them to the market. The focus sectors are Smart Communities and GreenTech. 15 startups will be selected to be accelerated and women, youth and people living with disabilities are encourage to apply.

Areas of acceleration

GreenTech

  • Waste Management.
  • Renewable Energy.
  • Sustainable Agriculture.
  • Carbon Capture.
  • GreenTech in Construction.
  • Smart Communities

  • Smart Energy and Water Management.
  • Smart Privacy.
  • Smart Agriculture and Crop Production.
  • Smart Infrastructure and Building Development.
  • Application criteria

  • We’re looking for startups that already have a product or service with demonstrated traction.
  • Startups with more than one founder are preferred. Two heads are better than one.
  • At a minimum, your startup should have a tech or tech-enabled minimum viable product.
  • The product/service should demonstrate clear potential for monetization and sustainability.
  • The product/service must be innovative and should have a unique value proposition.
  • The product or service you offer must present a positive social or environmental impact. We want to make the world a better place, one startup at a time.
  • If your startup is currently operating in the fields of Smart Communities or GreenTech, we’re all about sustainability and innovation.
  • Collaboration is key! Your startup should be open to working with potential clients and other stakeholders. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
  • OIP Botswana is for everyone, encouraged groups include women, youth and people living with disabilities as we believe in diversity and inclusivity.
  • The innovation should be practical and feasible to implement within a reasonable timeline.
  • Applicants should be available for the virtual/in-person sessions between July 10th and August 25th 2023 (approximately 1 session per week)
  • Mobile Important upcoming events

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    OIP Botswana Call for participants Ask Me Anything Session 1-Webinar, Engaging local associations for GreenTech & Smart Communities

    Date: June 6, 2023
    Venue: Virtual

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    OIP Botswana Call for participants Ask Me Anything Session 2 - Engaging local associations for GreenTech & Smart Communities

    Date: June 12, 2023
    Venue: UB Conference Centre

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    Intellectual property preliminary assessment Meeting

    Date: Sept. 4, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Intellectual Property Application Meeting

    Date: Sept. 8, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Unpacking the Entrepreneurship Journey– Session 1

    Date: Oct. 4, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Branding & Marketing

    Date: Oct. 19, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Exploring the 4P’s of Innovation and strategies of how to implement them in the context of Botswana ‘s Innovation Ecosystem

    Date: Oct. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Exploring Process Innovation as a tool for driving Mindset Change

    Date: Oct. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Prototype & Product Development Financing

    Date: Oct. 24, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Understanding the need of financing incubation and acceleration programs

    Date: Oct. 24, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Financial Modelling

    Date: Nov. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Mini Demo - Day 1

    Date: Nov. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    Mini Demo - Day 2

    Date: Nov. 24, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    DEMO DAY

    Date: Nov. 27, 2023
    Venue: UB Conference Centre

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    CNC Cutting

    Date: Nov. 28, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Important upcoming events

    Card Image

    OIP Botswana Call for participants Ask Me Anything Session 1-Webinar, Engaging local associations for GreenTech & Smart Communities

    Date: June 6, 2023
    Venue: Virtual

    Card Image

    OIP Botswana Call for participants Ask Me Anything Session 2 - Engaging local associations for GreenTech & Smart Communities

    Date: June 12, 2023
    Venue: UB Conference Centre

    Card Image

    Intellectual property preliminary assessment Meeting

    Date: Sept. 4, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Intellectual Property Application Meeting

    Date: Sept. 8, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Unpacking the Entrepreneurship Journey– Session 1

    Date: Oct. 4, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Branding & Marketing

    Date: Oct. 19, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Exploring the 4P’s of Innovation and strategies of how to implement them in the context of Botswana ‘s Innovation Ecosystem

    Date: Oct. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Exploring Process Innovation as a tool for driving Mindset Change

    Date: Oct. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Prototype & Product Development Financing

    Date: Oct. 24, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Understanding the need of financing incubation and acceleration programs

    Date: Oct. 24, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Financial Modelling

    Date: Nov. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Mini Demo - Day 1

    Date: Nov. 23, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Card Image

    Mini Demo - Day 2

    Date: Nov. 24, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

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    DEMO DAY

    Date: Nov. 27, 2023
    Venue: UB Conference Centre

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    CNC Cutting

    Date: Nov. 28, 2023
    Venue: UB Innovation Centre

    Project Team

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    Prof. R. Moalosi

    Director - UB innovation Centre

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    Dr. G. N. Ganamotse

    Project Lead OIP Botswana

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    Ms. O. Ndadi

    Deputy Project Lead

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    Dr. T. Motshegwa

    IP and Innovation Dev.

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    Dr. P Illah

    Incubation Training and Capacity Building

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    Ms. M. Modise

    Assistant Business Model Development Specialist

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    Mr. T. Ketshabile

    Project Coordinator and Technology Transfer

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    Mr. J. Serero

    Digital Communication and Marketing

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    Mr. F.M Khoza

    Web Developer

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    Mr. B. Kgosiesele

    Web Developer