The SDG Impact Accelerator 2nd program Pre-Acceleration startups, working to change finance and agriculture towards more inclusive systems, will meet the audience at the virtual Pitch Day on April 21st 10:00 AM (GMT+3)

19 April 2021 – SDG Impact Accelerator, a global accelerator built by a multi-stakeholder platform to enhance human life in least-developed and developing country populations, has completed the Pre-Acceleration phase of its second program. Both cohorts combined, the Pre-Acceleration program accelerated 43 startups from Bangladesh, Denmark, France, India, Italy, Kenya, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and USA. The startups have been selected from a pipeline of over 1000 applications and are working to add value in financial inclusion of disadvantaged groups and digitization of agriculture applications. The startups will be presenting at the online Pitch Day on April 21st 10:00 AM (GMT+3)

During the 4-week Pre-Acceleration Program, startups had the opportunity to meet mentors from all around the world in the Mentor Meetups. The meetups covered experience sharing and discussions on many topics including but not limited to impact investment, business model, globalization and growth.

Following the Pitch Day, 5 teams for each cohort will be selected to the Acceleration Program to take place between May-June 2021 and will be eligible to receive an equity-free grant of up to $15,000. During the Acceleration Program, startups will have the opportunity to have 1-1 sessions with the members of global mentor network of SDGia, including investors, founders, private sector professionals and public representatives. The Acceleration Program will also be the phase for the startups to prepare their plans for local implementation in Bangladesh and Uganda.

SDGia is an inspiring example of inclusive partnerships for addressing complex development issues and creating impact through supporting entrepreneurs. The strong collaboration among Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, UNDP and the United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs creates the basis for the program. On top of that, the support of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in Uganda, the Ministry responsible for Information and Communication Technology in Bangladesh, and UNDP Country Offices and Accelerator Labs in both countries further strengthens the program.

The Pitch Day will be a platform for representatives of the strong partners of SDGia to gather. The opening speeches will be delivered by:

• H.E. Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs, Republic of Turkey
• Honorable Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI), Uganda
• Honorable State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, ICT Division, Bangladesh
• Sukhrob Khojimatov, UNDP Turkey Resident Representative (Officer in Charge)
• Joshua Setipa, Managing Director, UN Technology Bank
• Ebru Özdemir, Chair, Limak Investments & Limak Foundation

The keynote speaker of the event will be Nazım Salur; founder of Turkey’s second unicorn Getir. He will be sharing his insights and way to success with the audience.

The registration for the Pitch Day can be done through www.sdgia.org/pitchday