Ethio Telecom Launches Ethiotel Innovation Program to Support Tech Startups

Ethio Telecom has officially launched its Ethiotel Innovation Program, aimed at empowering and supporting the nation’s technology-based startups and innovators.

The program, which was kicked off yesterday, includes support and commercialization packages designed to positively impact the development of the digital ecosystem and support the nation’s goal of becoming a startup hub.

The state-owned operator, which generated $633 million in H1 of the current fiscal year, will provide telecom resources, financial and in-kind aid, marketing assistance, training, mentoring, coaching, networking opportunities, and experience-sharing through its support package.

The commercialization package will help winners build the ecosystem, gain support, and collaborate with partners for the successful launch of their products and services into the market

The program is divided into three phases and will commence with the first phase from February 10 to April 30, 2023. This phase will concentrate on startups utilizing cloud and mobile financial services.

The top 100 successful startups will receive professional, financial, and material support and will also be sponsored to travel to China for international exposure, in partnership with technology partner Huawei Technologies.

The second phase of the program, running from March 20 to July 30, 2023, will focus on digital content, solutions, services, analytics, and consumer and business applications.

The last phase of the program, beginning in August 2023, will focus on institutionalizing the businesses and innovations, with Ethio Telecom establishing a TechHub center and a research and development center.

Eligible startups can apply for the program through ethiotelinnovation@ethiotelecom.et from February 10 to March 12, 2023.