HEC Challenge + Expands To Dakar To Support Innovation And Entrepreneurship In Senegal

Some programs need no introduction. HEC Challenge + is certainly one of them. Specially designed by HEC Paris to help innovators, scientists, and engineers develop their business plans and guide their strategies, the program has proven its worth over time. With an innovative pedagogical approach combining training, diagnostics, advice, and personalized follow-up, Challenge + has achieved significant results since its inception. It boasts 900 innovative projects, 8 IPOs, 800 patents filed, and €1.2 billion raised from public and private investors. Building on its success, the program first expanded to Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire in 2021, before launching in Dakar, Senegal this year.

A Continuously Expanding Program

Born in 1990 in France, HEC Challenge + plans to continue spreading its impact beyond French borders. Delivered in Abidjan for two years, Senegal now welcomes its first cohort.

Aimed at future entrepreneurs, HEC Challenge + Africa allows participants to benefit from the expertise of HEC’s faculty while considering the realities of the African continent. Regional-specific topics are covered by local experts, such as entrepreneurs or HEC alumni, through conferences, workshops, and experience sharing. Project leaders who have benefited from Challenge + have always highlighted the high value of this hybrid training, combining HEC's quality content with the needs of African entrepreneurs.

HEC Challenge + In Senegal: A Collaboration With Major Local Actors

The extension of Challenge + to Dakar since November 2, 2023, marks a significant milestone in training and supporting high-growth potential innovative projects in the country. This expansion is part of the LionsTech Invest community, a joint initiative of the Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) and the French Embassy in Senegal.

Launching the program in Senegal aims to support Senegalese startups by increasing their visibility and growth in the international financial ecosystem. This initiative is crucial to support Senegalese "tech gems" and the broader innovation ecosystem in the country.

The academic co-directors of the program, Etienne Krieger, Talibi Haidra, and Adama Touré, emphasized the importance of launching Challenge + in Dakar in the context of Africa's entrepreneurial growth. They are committed to "supporting entrepreneurs and innovators by providing the tools necessary to create prosperous companies that will positively contribute to Africa's development."

As Africa is seen as the next engine of the world economy, HEC Challenge + represents a powerful catalyst for new entrepreneurs determined to contribute to their country's development and the well-being of future generations.

Insight Into HEC Challenge + Dakar Cohort Projects

The first cohort of the program consists of 16 projects and 21 project leaders and co-leaders, including 7 women. All will benefit from the insights of HEC Paris professors, the expertise of local entrepreneurs with deep knowledge of the African market, and the international network of the program’s certified alumni.

Here are the projects selected for the 2023 HEC Challenge + cohort in Dakar:

LIMAWA - (Greentech)

Solar-powered cooling technology making cold chain logistics three times more cost-effective.

KORIPASS - (Fintech)

Payment system allowing users to link accessories to an e-wallet and make contactless payments without a smartphone or internet connection.

TANEL HEALTH - (Healthtech)

Health insurance company in Africa based on a tech platform with a focus on members.

GAMMA LINK - (Logistique)

Service for digitizing and connecting various actors in the heavy transport logistics chain.

YOUR PERSONAL SHOPPER - (E-commerce)

Innovative B2C and C2C platform enabling Africans to shop on multiple websites and buy directly worldwide.

20sur20 EDTECH - (Edtech)

Tools to improve Senegal’s education system, addressing issues like teacher shortages, overcrowded classes, and lack of additional teaching

SETTIC REPAREK - (Biotech)

Environmentally friendly and secure e-waste recycling service.

DATABEEZ - (Edtech)

The first Pan-African Edtech dedicated exclusively to Data & AI professions and job placement

NEOFARM - (Biotech)

Senegalese biotechnology converting organic waste into insect-based proteins and oil for poultry and aquaculture feed, and organic fertilizer for farming.

CAYTU - (Robotics)

Participatory robotics platform allowing robots to be remotely operated by outsourced operators worldwide.

WODI - (Healthtech)

Access to quality healthcare for all, facilitated through technology and human touch.

ALYFA - (Gaming)

Range of educational and interactive games that empower children to embrace their cultural identity.

NIOKOBOK - (E-commerce)

 E-commerce infrastructure enabling thousands of young women to start selling on social media.

SUQALI MBAY MI - (Greentech)

Decentralized blockchain solution to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the agricultural sector.

INTERSIP INTERNATIONAL

Simple approach for sharing information and communication between development projects and beneficiary populations.

TUKKIJAMM - (Transport)

Carpooling network for home-to-work commutes and a digital solution beneficial for employees' daily mobility.

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