Ventures Platform Launches Applications for Gov Labs Incubation Program

Ventures Platform Foundation (VPF), the social impact arm of Ventures Platform Hub, has launched a call for applications for its latest incubation program, Gov Labs. Gov Labs is a 12-week program for tech solutions implementing accountability and transparency within the Nigerian government’s COVID-19 response. 

Created with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the new initiative will support Civil Society Organizations from across Nigeria as they build innovative solutions promoting good governance and wide-scale access to public services. 

About the Gov Labs program

From the pool of applicants, five organizations will be selected and will each receive a $2,500 grant as well as access to mentorship, technical support, and networking opportunities. 

During the 12-week period, participants will also work alongside key experts in policy advocacy, civic engagement, and public sector reform as they build scalable and easily adoptable solutions that target the pain points of the Nigerian government’s COVID-19 response. 

Speaking on the launch of Gov Labs, Mimshach Obioha, Executive Director at Ventures Platform Foundation, said: 

“Since the pandemic began, there has been a major emphasis on the health and economic implications of COVID-19. However, we cannot deny that democracy and governance have also taken a huge hit during this period. With governments imposing restrictions on civil liberties, we need stronger support for basic human rights and something needs to change urgently.”

The Nigerian government has, therefore, opened up itself to get input from citizens and that’s where Gov Labs comes in.

“…We’ve always known Nigeria has a rich supply of entrepreneurs who are hungry for change but now, we’re giving them a platform to not only equip the government to make more informed decisions but also drive access to vital public services at a time when people need them most.

The fight against COVID-19

This year, Ventures Platform Foundation has driven a number of initiatives to address pre-existing crises in Nigeria as well as the devastation caused by the pandemic. 

In October, the company awarded $6,000 to seven different startups developing tech solutions to assist in the fight against the coronavirus as part of its COVID-19 Innovation Challenge. VPF also recently launched its StartUp North East incubator to aid relief efforts for the crisis in Northern Nigeria.

To apply for the Gov Labs program, click here. Applications close on February 6, 2021.