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Applications are open to the 1776 Challenge Cup, with regional heats to be held in 75 cities worldwide to identify top local startups to compete at the Challenge Cup global finals in New York.

US-based accelerator 1776 launched the Challenge Cup four years ago, and is based on the belief that great companies can start and scale anywhere in the world.

This year 1776 partners emerging markets oriented investment firm Revolution to host an expanded competition in 75 cities – up from 50 last year.

Over 1,000 startups are expected to pitch across 75 cities worldwide in the first round of the competition. One winner will be named at each regional event, and will progress to compete at the global finals to be held at the Challenge Festival in New York in November.

In Africa, competitions are so far confirmed to take place in Accra, Ghana – to be hosted by iSpace Foundation; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – at iceaddis; at Hive Colab in Kampala, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya – at iHub; and at BIAT in Tunis, Tunisia.

At the first round, startups will be asked to deliver a two minute live pitch. The 75 local winners will progress to the semi-finals held at the Challenge Festival; and eight finalists will be selected to present four-minute pitches to the jury.

Further cities will be added on an ongoing basis.  Applications are available here, with deadlines dependent on location.

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