Deadline: February 26, 2023.

The MEST Training Program is an intensive 12-month, full-time, fully sponsored program in which the cohort – known as Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) – complete a graduate-level course in software development, business, and communications, with a focus on practical implementation.
The course culminates with an investor pitch, with the chance to receive seed funding and enter MEST’s portfolio for company incubation.

The Training program provides rigorous entrepreneurial training and extensive hands-on project work, designed to ensure EITs master industry-proven methodologies for developing world-class tech businesses.

CURRICULUM COMPONENT

• Core Programming Languages
• Web and Mobile Development
• UI/UX
• Forming Culture Driven Teams
• Business and Revenue Modeling
• Branding and Communications
• Market Research
• Product Development and Innovation
• Marketing and Growth Hacking
• Financial Management and Investments
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance
• Metrics and Measurements
• Sales and Traction
• Preparing for investments

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• A degree from a top university or Technical College or equivalent experience with at least two (2) years corporate and startup experience (preferred)
• Deep skills in either communications, business or software development (from the onset or acquired during the Pre-Learning stage)
• Young persons passionate about tech and entrepreneurship, and how to use technology to achieve business results
• Should be ready to commit to a full residential program for a whole year
• Disciplined, motivated self-starter who can work and deliver on assignments and projects – demonstrate this by completing the required Pre-Learning courses and MEST’s rigorous recruitment process
• An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to start a company
• Ability to communicate candidly and persuasively
• Ability to work well in teams, proven academic or professional excellence
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Confident and independent thinking
• Excellent people skills

BENEFITS

1. Industry Experts: Faculty members bring years of entrepreneurial and industry experience.
2. Hands on project: EITs build, validate & pitch business ideas in a fail-safe environment. 
3. Full support: All EITs receive a full scholarship to attend the 1-year training.
4. Guests lectures: Supplementary lectures by experienced business executives.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Complete these pre-learning courses:

1. Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
2. Understand the Basics of Code

Note: On completion of your first course on the IBM Digital Nation Africa portal, you will be guided to create an account on youracclaim.com. Once this is done, your badge will be automatically posted on to Acclaim. You can grab your profile link by clicking on the profile icon and selecting ‘view my profile’.

Kindly note that you are required to finish these courses, submit your profile link and upload your certificate by the application deadline.

Take an Aptitude Test

You are required to take the Aptitude Test as your score will be requested when filling your application form and will determine your move to the next stage. Please follow this link to take the test.

Complete the MEST Training Program Application Form

Please follow this link to sign up to complete the application form. 

OFFICIAL LINK