IMPULSE  is an international startup acceleration program that aims to help entrepreneurs develop and execute game changing ideas, technologies and discoveries in Africa and for Africa.

Who are we?

IMPULSE is a unique accelerator program developed by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in partnership with MassChallenge, with the support of OCP Group and its subsidiary OCP Africa.

This 12-week program targets innovative startups operating in four scientific and industrial fields: Agritech, BioTech, Mining Technologies and Materials Science & Nanotechnology.

Impulse's main objective is to support the rapid growth of  selected startups and to help them forge profitable and lasting partnerships with OCP Group,  Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and MassChallenge's global network.

Who can participate?

We look for entrepreneurs who want to take their businesses to the next level.

We accept applications from early stage startups in Africa and all over the world, interested in solving challenges in the following areas:

• Agtech
• Biotech
• Mining Tech
• Materials Science & Nanotech

As the official language of the program is English, the applicant must be proficient in English.

When is the program? (See detailed timeline below)

• June 26 2019:  Applications open
• July - September 2019:  Applications African Tour
• October 1, 2019:  Applications close
• November 2019:  Finalists Announcement
• January 15, 2020:  Accelerator Program Start
• March 2020:  Swiss Bootcamp
• March 2020:  US Bootcamp
• April 2020:  Demo Day & Awards Ceremony

What's in it for startups?

Ten startups will be selected to participate in an intensive, 12-week acceleration program in Morocco, where they will receive:

• Mentoring and coaching offered by OCP experts, UM6P professors and doctoral students and mentors of theMassChallenge network and the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Access to business opportunities via OCP Group, OCP Africa and UM6P networks
• An equity-free cash prize of USD 250,000 to be shared between winning startups
• Access to UM6P amenities: Fablab, experimental laboratories and living laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art equipment enabling startups to develop and test prototypes of their products and services
• Study trips to the ecosystems of Boston (US) and Lausanne (CH)
• Access to a 430 m² co-working space, equipped with the necessary facilities and equipments to enable startups to work on their businesses 
• Access to financing through a set of national and international investment funds and business angels

Applications are now open!

Deadline to apply:

1 October 2019

How to Apply

1. Apply to the program here
2. Create your entrepreneur profile (choose "Impulse Accelerator Africa" for "Program of Interest")
3. Check your inbox and activate your account
4. Create a new startup
5. Apply to the Impulse Accelerator Africa
6. Complete and submit your application

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is a hub of education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, aspiring to become a solid bridge of knowledge between Morocco, Africa and the world.  

Located in the “Mohammed VI Green City” in Benguerir, near Marrakech, UM6P applies a “learning by doing” approach and develops sound partnerships with world-wide class universities, to promote leadership and training in focused research areas. 

By contributing to the training of a new generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders, UM6P is committed to positioning Morocco and Africa at the forefront of technology and human Sciences. 

About OCP Group

OCP Group contributes to feeding a growing global population by providing essential elements for soil fertility and plant growth. With nearly a century of expertise and a turnover of $ 5.95 billion in 2018, OCP Group is the world leader in the phosphate market and the world’s largest producer of phosphate fertilizers. It offers a wide range of adapted fertilizer products. Thanks to its large-scale integrated industrial development strategy, OCP is present throughout the phosphate value chain and operates in all its businesses offering its 21,000 employees an excellent development path. Based in Morocco, OCP Group works in close partnership with more than 160 clients on 5 continents. Committed to better serve Africa’s development, OCP puts innovation at the heart of its strategy, particularly, in the establishment of sustainable and prosperous agriculture on the continent. 

About Bridge to MassChallenge 

Bridge to MassChallenge strengthens innovation ecosystems and drives the creation of high quality jobs by supporting entrepreneurs and connecting them to MassChallenge’s global network. The program collaborates with local entities to understand the potential and strategic value of their unique ecosystem, empowers them to build their innovation communities, and connects them to global markets.

About MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 1,900 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $4 billion in funding, generated more than $2.5 billion in revenue, and created more than 120,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org