Google on Tuesday announced that Nigerian startup mDoc is one of 11 startups selected to participate in the fully digital inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 11 were selected based on their vision to address challenges outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.
Nigerian startup mDoc uses a digital platform and in-person hubs to support people living with chronic diseases, and will join the program on 21 April alongside startups from France, Germany (2), Israel, the Netherlands, Kenya (2), Pakistan and the UK (2). The chosen startups address a wide range of social and environmental challenges, and are working to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
In November, last year, Google announced the Google for Startups Accelerator on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goal of the program is to help founders build technology to solve serious issues facing the world. The winners were selected from almost 1,200 applications received from 73 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and with the assistance of an external jury to carefully evaluate each idea. Each startup will work closely with engineers from over 20 Google teams, as well as other subject matter experts, to address product, engineering, business development and funding challenges.
Says 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. 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 setting 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, says Matias.
