Heritage Bank: HB-LAB Accelerator Programme is still underway #TechEntrepreneurs

The HB-LAB Accelerator Programme is still underway as the #TechEntrepreneurs get mentored by internal facilitators – FUNMI ALUKO (Head, Product & Project Mgt, Heritage Bank) and KIKA AKPENYI (Group Head, Customer Experience and Analytics).

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Heritage Bank Plc has launched its innovation accelerator programme tagged, “HB LAB” a 12-week programme, expected to provide technology startups with enabling environment, resources and support required to innovate and accelerate impactful solutions with the potential to radically improve financial Inclusion/Intermediation, agriculture and other related problems affecting critical sectors of the economy.

The application portal hblabs.com.ng which was launched on the 31st January 2019 closed on the 14th February 2019. About 154 applicants who applied were reviewed and 24 of them scored above 60, whilst the final selection will produce seven successful applicants, from which the winner will emerge.

Managing director and chief executive of the bank, Ifie Sekibo, speaking on the HB LAB explained that in Nigeria, technology startups still account for a relatively small share of all businesses, but they have an outsized impact on economic growth, because they provide better-paying, longer-lasting jobs than other startups, and they contribute more to innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.

He disclosed that the team with the most compelling solution will be awarded a $25,000 grant alongside access to workspace and IT infrastructure for solution testing and development for a defined period.

#Innovation #HBLab #Entrepreneur