Rise N Start Ignite, Ethiopia’s First Student Startup Pitch Competition
Addis Ababa/USA
RiseBack.org, the World’s 1st affordable education platform to empower students and professionals to foster creativity, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, catalyzing Ethiopia’s journey to becoming a tech-driven economic powerhouse.
Leading the way is Rise N Start Ignite, Ethiopia’s pioneering Startup Pitch Competition for students. This competition, hosted by RiseBack.org, is set to shape Ethiopia’s youth into tech trailblazers and emerging startup leaders, in alignment with the Ethiopian government’s vision of fostering innovation-driven economic growth. Participants are encouraged to tackle challenges in sustainable development, HealthTech, Agritech, EV, and AI, inspiring them to craft inventive solutions.
What sets Rise N Start Ignite apart is its inclusivity – it’s open to both individuals and groups with no application fees, inviting students from schools and universities to participate. The brightest minds stand not only to gain certificates but also to attract potential funding for their visionary concepts.
• Hackathon Event: January 19th-20th, 2024
• Location: Addis Ababa
• Application Deadline: January 10th, 2024
• No Application Fees
Affordable IT Education and Training: Igniting a Tech Revolution
RiseBack.org recognizes the pivotal role of accessible IT education and training in molding the next generation of tech leaders. By democratizing technology education, RiseBack.org seeks to equip Ethiopian youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish startups, create high-paying jobs, and drive economic growth.
“Ethiopia, the best-performing African country, has set its sights on the IT and startup industry, recognizing that this focus could be a game changer,” said Zebib Sultan, RiseBack Ethiopia. “Technology, the cornerstone of our economy, is central to our vision, and with Rise N Start Ignite, we aim to empower our youth to become entrepreneurs and technopreneurs, potentially positioning Ethiopia as a leading tech hub in Africa.”
Recent years have seen Ethiopia’s economic progress fueled by a thriving startup ecosystem and a rapidly expanding internet economy. In 2022, Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem secured a prominent position in the African region. It is swiftly gaining ground in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Fostering Tech Entrepreneurship and Startup Ecosystems
Rise N Start Ignite is set to unleash a realm of opportunities for Ethiopian youth. By promoting innovative problem-solving and collaboration, the competition nurtures the spirit of entrepreneurship. Affordable IT education equips participants with the skills not just to be job seekers but to create startups that drive the tech ecosystem forward.
Dr. Tausif Malik, Founder of RiseBack.org, emphasized, “Ethiopia’s brighter future lies in the hands of our youth. By offering affordable IT education and training, we are nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs and innovators. Our aim goes beyond personal growth; it aligns with the Ethiopian government’s vision of a prosperous future driven by innovation.”Expanding to Multiple Cities
In addition to our launch, RiseBack Ethiopia is committed to reaching youth beyond the capital. We plan to host the Rise N Start Ignite competition in other Ethiopian cities, providing young talents nationwide with opportunities for growth and innovation.
Ethiopia Startup Ecosystem
Ethiopia has made its mark in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, securing a position in the top 100 for the first time and climbing five spots. This accomplishment reflects Ethiopia’s vibrant startup ecosystem and its recognition on the global stage. Notably, according to Startupblink, there are several private sector organizations actively assisting entrepreneurs in Ethiopia’s business environment.
What sets Ethiopia apart is the unique trend of the Ethiopian diaspora returning to the country to champion digitalization and economic modernization. They are granted special permits by the government to invest and operate in the country, further fueling the growth of the Ethiopian startup ecosystem. The startup ecosystem overview with a population of over 122 million people shows Ethiopia as a huge untapped market for entrepreneurs to satisfy, especially as it transitions to a more digital economy. However, to secure and keep its rank for the next year Ethiopia has a lot to do.
RiseBack.org’s expansion is a call to action for businesses, institutions, and government bodies to unite in building a brighter future for Ethiopia. By investing in the youth and providing them with the tools to excel, RiseBack.org is paving the way for a tech-powered renaissance.
For more information about RiseBack.org, the Rise N Start Ignite Pitch Competition, and partnership opportunities, please visit www.RiseBack.org/events/Ethiopia
About RiseBack.org: RiseBack.org is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering youth through innovation, mentorship, and experiential learning. By fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration, RiseBack.org aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and mindset needed to drive positive change.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Zebib Sultan
RiseBack Ethiopia
Telephone/WhatsApp +251911428980+251919879517 Email: zebib@riseback.org
Dr. Tausif Malik
Founder RiseBack
Telephone/WhatsApp: +17735369786 Email: tausif@riseback.org
This is where the youth of that country ought to belong, not rushing him/her to the bushes and raise arms of destruction. This is something we, especially those of us in the Diaspora, should assist such young bright minds with expertise and the last penny in our pocket. That country must be industrially well developed. It must be turned upside down industrially with no locality spared. Such industrial onslaught will have far-reaching positive ramifications. It will liberate our women under the bulging eyes of misogynists. It will create a majority population of the middle class which has proved itself to be the lethal enemy of despots. Industrialization will change the thought process of the population. In an industrialized environment citizens know the answers already for what, how and why questions. They can easily identify that single cross eyed bee from among a huge swarm. That is why bigots who are now roaming the country are targeting and burning down factories or if they can’t do that they are kidnapping factory and mining field workers.
So, I say this to these bright young men and women. You have my admiration and wish you all the best!!!