Uganda Development Bank Limited (UDB) in partnership with the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN Lab) are pleased to announce the UDB i-Growth Accelerator 2017 that will focus on supporting commercialization of local start-ups and stimulating a culture of innovation in Uganda so as to contribute to the country’s social economic development. The i-Growth Accelerator program is an annual initiative that will support individuals to grow and expand their start-up enterprises in all sectors.
For 2017, the Accelerator will focus on the Agriculture and Manufacturing sectors under the theme; ‘Towards a Smart and Sustainable Agricultural and Manufacturing Sector’.
Download the complete UDB i-Growth Accelerator 2017Call Document
Applications will be accepted until January 25th, 2018. Click here to submit your application now.
About this Call
Uganda’s Vision 2040 identifies Agriculture as a strategic opportunity that requires harnessing to maximize returns to the country’s economy, an objective which aligns with UDB’s development strategy. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Ugandan economy employing 65.6 per cent (UBOS 2010) of the labour force and contributing 21 percent to the GDP. Agriculture, if well harnessed will bolster the country’s economy. By 2007 the sector accounted for 47 percent of total export earnings. Its contribution to the GDP has been declining but remains very important to provide a basis for growth in other sectors.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship are critical pillars that can jump-start the country’s agricultural sector. Through innovation, entrepreneurs create new, competitive markets and businesses along the agricultural value chain which lead to job creation and have a multiplying effect on the economy. Potential entrepreneurs in Uganda are constrained by the limited access to finance and start-up capital which is exacerbated by lack of supportive life and entrepreneurial skills. The few existing entrepreneurship programs are not always well-tailored to their needs. Tailored skills through incubation can be a key channel to improve productivity and incomes in the informal economy and open opportunities to link with the formal economy. The UDB i-growth Accelerator will identify, recognize and accelerate outstanding innovative start-ups inline with the proposed theme and will support them to commercialization.
About ResilientAfrica Network (RAN)
The ResilientAfrica Network is a USAID funded Research and Innovation network currently operating in 19 African Universities in 13 countries. We are one of eight University development labs under the Higher Education Solutions Network. RAN is strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities using innovative, evidence-based approaches developed in collaboration with University students, faculty and the community. To date, RAN is supporting over 151 innovative projects. The RAN team also nurtures and upholds strategic partnerships to strengthen the innovation ecosystem (fostering a culture of innovation and creativity) in Africa and beyond.
Note:For more information and to apply, please visit grants.ranlab.org. Applicants may email any questions on the call or on any aspect of the application process to

