The Growth Academy program is in for a disappointing start so far; it seems there are no developers with product ideas good enough to kick-off the 3 month program.
If you read the first call for in-takes, you’d know that applications for the Growth Academy closed at 6pm on October 3rd, 2012 (that was two days ago). After this initial deadline, of which 10 start-ups were to be recruited into the program, it seems the Academy does not have enough entries. Even worse, considering the qualifications criteria, not all entries are eligible to participate.
What makes a start-up eligible?
- Have brilliant ideas for apps that address specific needs in finance, education, healthcare, agriculture, small business development and the environment, including technology and entertainment.
- Have developed a working prototype of this app in Java ME (J2ME).
- Have at least 2 core members, including a lead developer.
- Are willing to commit 3 full months to developing their idea on the program.
Nokia and the Co-Creation Hub have decided to extend the application deadline till October 13th, 2012 in the hopes that by this time, the program admission quota of 10 qualified start-ups will be filled.
Possible Implications
One wonders if there are no developers skilled enough to meet the Growth Academy enrollment criteria. Or is word not getting out to these developers about such benefits as mentoring, product and business development, and funding that come with being a participant? Is the Growth Academy approaching this the wrong way? Should there be a ‘pre-school’ in place to teach people how to code first?
Perhaps Nokia and the Co-Creation Hub should look towards recruiting individuals from tertiary institutions – they could even include Aptech and NIIT – who can form teams, develop product ideas, pitch them and stand the chance of getting into the Growth Academy.
If you do know any start-ups that qualify, please let them know about this opportunity.
