Early-stage startups

Background

Umnandi, a social entrepreneurship organisation, was born out of the collective efforts of students from Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship and Sahlgrenska School of Innovation. Its core mission is to equip young South Africans with practical knowledge and tools to embark on entrepreneurial endeavors that bring about positive change in their communities. The project was initiated through a collaboration between students at Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship, Engineers Without Borders South Africa, and Sci-Bono, aiming to amplify its impact through synergy and shared expertise

Challenge

Following previous workshops held by Umnandi in South Africa, it became evident that the expected value was not being fully realized. Recognizing the need for a solution, Umnandi set out to find a way to effectively communicate and sensitize information on entrepreneurship within the South African Innovation Ecosystem. It became imperative to refine their approach and tailor the delivery of this valuable knowledge to better suit the specific needs and dynamics of the local entrepreneurial landscape. By addressing this challenge head-on, Umnandi aimed to bridge the gap and create a more impactful and meaningful experience for participants, ultimately empowering them with the necessary tools and insights to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Solution

To address the unique challenges and context of South Africa, we developed a three-day practical coaching program for tech startup creation. Drawing from successful startup methods utilized in Sweden, we carefully tailored and sensitized these approaches to the South African landscape. The program aimed to tackle issues specifically relevant to South Africa, ensuring that the content and strategies resonated with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. By combining the best practices from Sweden with an understanding of South Africa's specific needs, we sought to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in their own context