Google Selects Nigerian Startup For Startups Accelerator on Sustainable Development Goals

Google has selected a Nigerian startup mDoc completing 11 startups to participate in the fully digital inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Google made this known through this announcement on that the 11 startups were chosen based on their vision to address challenges sketched in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.

The Nigerian startup mDoc uses a digital platform and in-person hubs to support vulnerable people living with chronic diseases.

The mDoc will join the program on 21 April alongside other startups from France, Germany (2), Israel, the Netherlands, Kenya (2), Pakistan and the UK (2). Meanwhile, the selected startups tackle a broad range of social and environmental challenges and are working to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Google Sustainable Development Goals

In November 2019, Google announced Google for Startups Accelerator on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aims and objective of the program is to facilitate founders to develop technology to tackle serious issues confronting the world. The winners were selected from close to 1,200 applications submitted across 73 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and with the assistance of an external jury to carefully evaluate each idea.

Correspondently, each of the startups will work jointly with engineers from over 20 Google teams, as well as other subject matter experts, to address product, engineering, business development and funding challenges.

 According to Yossi Matias, Google’s Vice President, Engineering: “In order to keep the program safe and accessible in light of COVID-19, the first two on-site events will now be digital.”

Speaking further, Matias stated that ”Virtual training will cover topics such as creating Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), UX Research & Behavioral Economics, ML Data Pipelines and Data Visualization, and Strategies for Social Impact Fundraising. The five-month program kicks off on 21 April, and a second cohort will be selected later in the year.

”Around the world, there are more startups addressing the world’s most pressing social challenges. Technology can help address some of the world’s biggest challenges, from empowering others to use AI to address social challenges, to set ambitious and long-term environmental sustainability goals. When businesses and investors work together with the government, nonprofits, communities and individuals, we can make real progress.”