Empowering Ethiopian Creators – Apply Now!
Turn your creative vision into reality!
Join the Habesha Creative Lab Incubation & Acceleration Program to access mentorship, funding, and workspace opportunities that help bring your innovative ideas to reality.
Application Deadline: March 19th, 2025
About us
Habesha Creative Lab is Ethiopia’s dedicated incubator, advancing innovation in the creative and cultural sectors. With a focus on nurturing talents in fields like gaming, AI and Virtual reality we offer essential resources, expert mentorship, and collaborative spaces.
Situated within Alliance Ethio-Française of Addis Ababa, the lab serves as a bridge between culture and technology, empowering creators to turn their ideas into impactful, sustainable ventures and establishing Ethiopia as a leader in global innovation.
Mission
To empower Ethiopian creators and innovators by providing the resources, mentorship, and collaborative space they need to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures, fostering growth within the creative and cultural industries.
Vision
To inspire and empower a generation of Ethiopian innovators, transforming creative ideas into impactful realities that enrich society, drive sustainable development, and position Ethiopia as a leader in cultural and technological innovation.
The Incubation & Acceleration Program
Incubation Track (3 - 12 months)
- 20 weeks of Soft & hard skills development by iceaddis to improve both technical and market competency and ensure project success
- 3 weeks of intensive technical training from international schools & experts
- 3 to 12 months of coaching & mentorship
- Masterclasses
- Access to international experts based on “ticketing” and networking opportunities
- Access to a grant of 3,000 to 5,000 euros
Acceleration Track (3 - 12 months)
- 3 to 12 months business scaling & investment readiness
- 3 weeks of intensive technical training from international schools & experts
- Additional 9 months of coaching & mentoring
- Access to global training programs based on needs assessment
- Access to a grant of 5,000 to 10,000 euros
Program Benefits
General Benefits
- Workspace at Alliance Ethio-Française
- Expert mentorship & coaching
- Funding and Grant opportunities
- Networking & international market access
- Business development & digital marketing training
Project Specific Benefits
- Technical & Business Training (Online & in-person)
- One-on-One Mentorship with Industry Experts
- Networking with Local & International Market Leaders
- Business Development, Digital Marketing & Fundraising Training
- Demo Day & Pitching Opportunities (Investors, sponsors, & partners)
Who can apply?
Eligibility Criteria
Age: 18-45 (Priority to applicants under 30)
Location: Applicants must be based in Addis Ababa
Project Fields: XR / VR, Gaming, 3D, AI, Projection Mapping, Animation and related
Project Status: Standalone project or as a part of an existing startup/business
Commitment:
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- Incubation applicants must be able to commit at least part-time hours (i.e. 10 – 20 hrs per week) during the first 16 weeks of the project.
- Acceleration applicants must be able to commit at least part-time hours (i.e. 10 – 20 hrs per week) during the first 8 weeks of the project.
Application Process
Step 1: Fill out the online application form
Step 2: Attach required documents
Step 3: Submit your application before March 19, 2025
Selection Process
Applicants will be shortlisted by the end of the application period based on project potential, impact level or investment readiness
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 15-minute live interview where they’ll pitch their project and showcase their potential
Project holders will be announced on the opening of Habesha Creative Lab in April 2025
Key Dates
Applications Open: February 21, 2025
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
Partners
FAQ
Who can apply?
Individuals or teams working on gaming, AI, VR, digital arts, and other related creative technologies.
Is there an application fee?
No, applying is completely free.
Can individuals apply, or do I need a team?
Both individuals & teams are welcome.
Do I need to have a business license to apply
As an incubatee, you may have no business license but as an accelerated business we advise you to have a business license to properly prove a track record of activities and revenue.
Do I need a fully developed project to apply?
Both early stage and fully developed projects are encouraged to apply. For early stage projects, however, we strongly recommend that the project has passed the ideation phase.
Do I need to be involved full time?
A strong commitment to the program and a clear vision of the project are necessary attributes.
- Incubation applicants must be able to commit at least part-time hours (i.e. 10 – 20 hrs per week) during the first 16 weeks of the project.
- Acceleration applicants must be able to commit at least part-time hours (i.e. 10 – 20 hrs per week) during the first 8 weeks of the project.
Grants will only be attributed to project holders demonstrating this dedication and participating to the mandatory training sessions and events.
What happens when the program ends?
Participants will receive continued networking, linkage & funding opportunities.
What’s the difference between Incubation & Acceleration?
Incubation focuses on building & developing early-stage ideas, while Acceleration focuses on scaling and investment readiness.
Contact
Location: Alliance Ethio-Française, Addis Ababa
Email: application.icc@allianceaddis.org