Get ready for lift off as the 2014 International Space Apps Challenge comes to Nigeria

The International Space Apps Challenge is a 48-hour global space exploration focused mass collaboration event that has a goal of producing relevant open-source solutions to address global needs applicable to both life on Earth and in Space.

For the first time in 3 years, Lagos (and Calabar) will be one of the 95 participating cities and The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Abuja will also be providing thought leadership and technical know-how to guide teams as they attempt to create solutions using openly available data supplied through NASA missions and technology.

The 2014 Challenge covers 5 keys areas; Robotics, Space Technology, Human Space Flights, Earth Watch and Asteroid – with participation welcome from not just developers, but also artists, graphic designers, students, teachers and enthusiasts who are passionate about solving earth and space issues. More details can be found here.

To make the event relevant to the Nigerian technological ecosystem, intending participants using the Alpha 5 Development Platform would be able to choose from local issues covering:

THE LEAN STARTUP MACHINE IS COMING TO LAGOS. FREE TICKETS FROM TECHCABAL

The Lean Startup Machine is a hands-on, 3-day intensive workshop that teaches entrepreneurs and innovators how to start their own companies using Lean Startup methodologies – a framework and set of principles based on ‘The Lean Startup‘ book by Eric Ries. With a history of 125 workshops held in 40 cities, across 6 continents, for over 7650 entrepreneurs all over the world, the Lean Startup Machine workshop will be coming to Lagos this May.

If you are a startup team, founder, entrepreneur, product developer, idea person, app developer, in search of building something that consumers want, without wasting your already limited resources, this workshop is for you. Not only do you get to pitch your ideas to mentors and other participants, you will acquire skills needed to identify, test, and eliminate the barriers to a viable business model. With focus on validation and “fail fast succeed faster”, you will progress more in 3 days than most others do in 6 months. Lean Startup Machine promises to change the way you view entrepreneurship forever. More details of the workshop, including dates and the full schedule, to be announced soon.

In the meantime, this will be a paid event so, you’d do well to register early. TechCabal will be giving out 2 free tickets to the event, so sign up now via this link for a chance to win. This offer will expire a week from this posting.

Source: Tech Cabal

APPLICATIONS TO LEADPATH NIGERIA’S FIRST STARTUP ACCELERATOR COHORT HAVE BEGUN

Leadpath Nigeria officially declared their purpose last Friday, to create a support platform for early stage technology startups in Nigeria. Now, the door is open. Startups can apply for access to become one of the first “Pathfinders” in the accelerator’s first cohort of 2014.

The program lasts three months, and the startups will take up residence in Leadpath Nigeria’s space in Yaba. Those familiar with SPARK will recognise the Leadpath model. Asides seed funding (between $25k to $100k) the startups will also receive hands-on mentorship and back-office and business support. Legal, accounting, taxes, HR? All are covered, according to the Leadpath Nigeria management team.

The Leadpath Nigeria accelerator programme is looking for just five pathfinders to populate its its first batch. While the platform has been known to invest outside of its accelerator programme, in what Leadpath founder Olumide Soyombo refers to as “brownfield startups”, clearly the best way to get in is via the enrolment cycle.

Deadline for applications is the 25th of April 2014. Apply here.

 Source: TechCabal

LEADPATH LAUNCHES ACCELERATOR TO INVEST UP TO $100,000 IN NIGERIAN STARTUPS

As the footprint of technology continues to impact Africa, it is obvious that the next frontier in business development will be in the tech space. Startups continue to revolutionize our daily experience, and this trend will only continue in the future.

Unfortunately, while startups may see these opportunities, they often aren’t in the position to take advantage of them because of a variety of factors, chief among them being funding.

Thus, the LeadPath Accelerator programme is being launched in Lagos this Friday. The LeadPath Accelerator will make seed investments in startups doing business in software applications, mobile applications, electronic payments and big data. Typical investments range between $25,000 to $100,000 in the first instance, as well as follow-on investments from LeadPath and other venture funds. LeadPath will also offer office space, mentorship and other services to their investees, helping them achieve scale and success in a promising but challenging market. (more after the cut)

STARTUP GRIND LAGOS KICKS OF EVENT SERIES WITH JASON NJOKU AND BASTIAN GOTTER

The Lagos chapter of Startup Grind is kicking off its event series with the co-founders of iROKO Partners, Jason Njoku and Bastian Gotter. Both entrepreneurs will interviewed in a panel session about their experience building the biggest distributor of Nollywood content on the web.

Tickets to the event cost $10/N1,500 and are on sale online or at the door. Venue is iROKO’s offices in Anthony. Full event details are available here.

The Startup Grind Lagos event is sponsored by Google for Entrepreneurs, Iroking, with support from Fora and EasyTaxi.

Created in January 2014, Startup Grind Lagos is co-directed by Tayo Brahm-Olorunoje and Adedeji Alebiosu.

 SOURCES: TECHCABAL and http://startupgrind.com/