Meltwater Entrepreneurial school of Technology
You will find talent everywhere. You may think, why do people fail to use it to better their lives? They simply lack the opportunity, guidance, and support to achieve their potential. Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) seeks to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.
What is Mest?
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology is a 12-month entrepreneurial program that offers training to the most talented and encouraging software entrepreneurs in Africa. It is a fully-funded training program that is administered by fellows from around the world with experience in tech, communications, and business. The entrepreneurs will undertake in the program in Accra, Ghana, which is the school’s headquarters.
Once you graduate from the program, you will receive seed funding for your start-up or business. Furthermore, you will be enrolled in the program’s incubator program upon graduation. The incubator program gives the entrepreneurs hands-on support and mentorship they need to launch a successful business.
How Did MEST Start?
MEST was launched by the Meltwater Foundation. The Meltwater Foundation is a non-profit branch of the Meltwater Company. The Meltwater Company is a Software as a Service Company. Its main focus is developing and marketing software for business intelligence and media monitoring.
Jørn Lyssegen founded the company and the Meltwater Foundation. MEST was opened as a school in February 2008.
MEST Training Program
The cohorts of young entrepreneurs are referred to as EITs (Entrepreneurs in Training). The training program is a graduate-level course. It covers software development, communications, and business. You will also be exposed to practical implementation which will be vital to your final business pitch.
The methodologies used for learning have been tested in the industrial market and have proven to work for startups. You will be trained by successful international entrepreneurs through guest lectures and sector speaks.
The climax of the course leads to making an effective investor pitch and the opportunity for your startup to receive investor funding. You will be considered for the incubator program if your pitch is successful.
The following are the components covered in the MEST training program:
- Software Development
- Core programming languages
- Software engineering
- Web development
- Mobile development
- Scrum and Agile development
- UI/UX
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Business strategy
- Business modeling
- Finance
- Lean startup methodology
- Market research
- Marketing
- Communications
- Business Pitching
- Investor requirements
- Sales
- Leadership
Application Requirements
1. Passion
You must have a drive to start your own software company. Note that coding experience is not a requirement. MEST looks at your interest in learning and launching a software startup.
2. Experience
You must possess a corporate or entrepreneurial work experience.
3. Education
You must have successfully completed a degree course in a top university, technical college or possess equivalent experience.
4. Recruitment locations
MEST conducts final recruitments in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa.
5. Honesty
You need to be entirely forthcoming with the required personal information.
6. 100% Commitment
You must be willing and free to spend the whole year in Accra Ghana. The program starts every August.
7. Funding
MEST training program is free and fully funded. The funding covers tuition, 3 meals per day, room and board and you will receive a monthly stipend.
Application Timeline
- Meltwater accepts applications starting from the third quarter of each year. The deadline for applications is March of every subsequent year.
- If your application qualifies, you are invited to take an aptitude test administered online.
- If you pass the aptitude test, you are invited to take a phone interview. This interview is carried out by a MEST team member.
- The next interview is a physical interview where you have to be present. These interviews are carried out both individually and in groups. They take place in February for those in or close to South Africa. For those around Ghana, Nigeria, Côte D’ivoire and Kenya, you will take this interview in May.
- You will receive offers inviting you to the training program by the end of May.
- Training will commence in August every year at Accra, Ghana.
Qualities MEST looks for in Entrepreneurs in Training
- A strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- Candid and persuasive communication skills
- Teamwork
- Verified academic excellence
- Adherence to deadlines and goals
- Self-motivation, personal drive, and stamina
- Independent thinking
- Confidence
- Leadership skills and capability
- Competent people skills.
MEST Partners
MEST is invested in the success of software entrepreneurs in Africa. It has partnered with various global organizations and mentors to facilitate the training program and invest in startups. Some of the partners include Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, Ethiopian Airlines, Liquid Telecom among others.
FAQ
When can I apply for MEST?
You can apply when the third quarter of the year kicks in. The application deadline is March.
Where is the training carried out?
The training takes place in MEST headquarters in Accra Ghana.
How long does the training program take?
12 months.
What do I have to pay?
The program is fully funded. Once selected, all the expenses during the training program are catered for.
What are the Recruitment Locations?
MEST recruitment takes place in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Do I need Coding experience?
No. you just need your passion to launch a software company, entrepreneurial and corporate work experience, and a university or technical college degree or equivalent experience.
Final Thoughts
Do you have a brilliant idea in the tech field? Are you worried you may not have what it takes to launch it?
You can apply for the MEST 12-month program. It is fully funded and you will gain exposure to software development, the business aspect of your innovation and communication skills. Furthermore, you will be eligible for seed funding once you complete the program successfully; The program will teach you how to pitch and convince investors to invest in your startup.moreover, you will have hands-on mentorship from these investors and this boosts your chances of success in the market.
Are you ready to apply in this third quarter? Apply here
References
https://www.mestafricasummit.com/
https://meltwater.org/incubator/
