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Early-stage venture capital firm and global innovation accelerator Nest has partnered the MTN Solution Space at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) to launch an intensive 2-day bootcamp for mobile tech startups in Cape Town.

The Hong Kong-founded Nest launched African operations in Kenya in July of last year, and is now moving into South Africa by partnering the MTN Solution Space for a bootcamp for startups with innovative solutions ranging from but not limited to mobile commerce, entertainment, and financial management.

Applications are now open for the event, which is designed to create a platform to bring startups together with telecoms from across Africa for potential integration opportunities. It is based on the premise that growth stage startups often lack access to and understanding of how big corporations work.

Eight companies will be selected to participate in the programme, and will also be given the opportunity to present their solutions at the AfricaCom conference in Cape Town next month.

“Beyond great ideas and funding, developing the right partnerships is the important for a startup to scale and take their innovation global,” said Aaron Fu, Nest’s managing partner in Africa. “Our partnership with MTN Solution Space leverages our combined strengths to help early-stage companies drive adoption of innovative solutions, run proof-of-concepts with big corporations and access resources and support to take their businesses to the next level.”

Sarah-Anne Arnold, MTN Solution Space’s manager, said the bootcamp would offer startups unique access and insights from industry leaders, investors and successful entrepreneurs,

“Our partnership with MTN Group has enabled us to support startups on their journey to becoming the high growth businesses of tomorrow and we are delighted to be partnering with Nest on this bootcamp which will provide much-needed support,” she said.

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