Join our 2024 Cohort

Black Innovators in STEM

The Nobellum Innovator Program is an instrumental part of Nobellum's 5 year mandate to support the startup of at least 100 Black-owned businesses in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) by 2025. This hybrid accelerator will train and develop over 100 emerging startups from all over the world that have incorporated STEM into their business model to ensure it is disruptive and sustainable. Our Innovator Program will create a space that celebrates inclusive excellence, all while developing pathways for Black youth to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and STEM.

Applications open in 13th May 2024

Criteria

The Nobellum Innovator Program is a carefully curated initiative tailored to support Black-owned early-stage STEM startups by providing them with valuable training, mentorship, and resources. By selecting startups from a pool of talented applicants, the program offers them the opportunity to participate in the Innovathon pitch event, where the winning startup gains access to startup funds through a diverse range of funding awards. By selecting startups from a pool of talented applicants, the program offers them the opportunity to participate in the Innovathon pitch event, where the winning startup gains access to startup funds through a diverse range of funding awards. Key criteria for application include:

Applicant Background

Lead applicant must identify as Black

STEM-Driven

The Business model must utilize Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math.

Pre-Seed Startups

The company must identify as a pre-seed (Idea) or seed (Growth) Startup.

Black Leadership

The lead applicant must be a co-founder in the company.

Timeline

Key Dates for the 2024 Innovator Program

1

May 13th, 2024
Application - Opens

2

June 30, 2024
Application Close

3

July 24 & 25, 2024
Selection & Interview

5

August 8th, 2024
Orientation & Onboarding

4

August 22, 2024
Innovathon Pitch

Timeline

Key dates for the 2024 Innovator Program Cohort

  • The application form opens on May 13th. Don’t miss this chance to join the next cohort of innovators who will make a difference in the world. Save the date and get ready to submit your application on May 13th!

  • Applications for the 2024 Innovator Cohort close on the 30th of June. Make sure to submit your application in time, attend the Application Info Session workshops, and reach out to programs@nobellum.com, if you need any support.

  • On July 24th and 25th, we will select participants for the 2024 cohort based on their interview outcomes. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your potential and why you deserve a spot in the 2024 Cohort, as why you should be part of the ten selected startups pitching their ideas at the 2024 Innovathon Pitch.

  • On August 8th, 2024, we will welcome the selected group of Black-led businesses that have been officially accepted into the Nobellum Innovator program. This is the start of your transformative journey as you join the 2024 cohort.

  • On August 22rd, 2024, you will have the opportunity to pitch your venture at the Innovathon Pitch, the highlight of the Nobellum Innovator program. This is a rare opportunity to impress investors and industry leaders with your innovative ideas and secure funding for your businesses.

 FAQs

    1. Lead applicant must identify as Black.

    2. The lead applicant must be a co-founder in the company.

    3. The Business model must utilize Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.

    4. Company must identify as a pre-seed (Idea) or seed (Growth) Startup.

  • The program helps you build a business in STEM, no matter what your background or experience is. Whether you are interested in technology, biotechnology, healthcare, engineering, environmental sciences, or any other STEM-related field, you will find a supportive and diverse community of founders at Nobellum. Join us and discover the opportunities of creating a STEM-based venture.

  • Participants in the Nobellum Innovator Program benefit from a range of resources and support. This includes access to free conference tickets, boothing opportunities, and access to facilities, among other perks.

    The program offers training, workshops, mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. Participants also have the opportunity to access funding and investment opportunities through pitch events and networking connections.

  • The program is open to both domestic and international applicants. While the program does not have specific regional limitations, participants should be able to engage with the program's activities and resources, which are primarily delivered in English.

  • Participation in the Nobellum Innovator Program is free of charge. There are no direct costs or fees associated with participating in the program. The program aims to provide opportunities and support to Black entrepreneurs without financial barriers.

  • The program offers support to participants in accessing funding and investment opportunities. This can include connecting participants with potential investors, venture capitalists, and funding organizations. The program also provides guidance on pitching, preparing investment materials, and navigating the funding landscape.

  • Participants in the program receive mentorship and advisory from the Nobellum Coaches Circle; a network of senior industry leaders. The mentorship and coaching is tailored to business stage and goals. The mentorship and coaching are tailored to business stage and goals. No matter what stage your business is at, whether it is at the Idea, growth, or international, each participant will receive guidance, advice, and expertise to build and scale their ventures.

What people are saying about the 2023 Program

  • “Nobellum has been a game changer for my company. From the coaches to the workshops it has accelerated my pace to market. Going into this journey I was a solopreneur passionate about solving a problem. In those moments, it’s easy to have life sway you and create moments of doubt. I am grateful to have had a community like Nobellum to lean on as I build my MVP, team, and awareness of the problem our company is solving.”

    Yvonne Osagie, founder of ”Med Melanin”

  • “Embracing the Innovator program has been nothing short of a transformative journey. In this sanctuary of support, I've found more than just belief — I've discovered a robust network, abundant resources, and unparalleled encouragement. They've not only endorsed us but have illuminated our path, ensuring our names resonate in spaces we could not imagine. This experience has instilled in me the confidence to innovate, create solutions, and tackle challenges head-on. Witnessing the organization's commitment to leading by example, consistently evolving, has been the most inspiring testament to the power of each their unwavering dedication.”

    Ruffin Lumbala founder of “Multivent”

  • “I love the Nobellum Innovator program. It has really helped us set the foundation of our company as first time founders. The team has really helped us organize ourselves, manage our projects & set our goals for long term success!”

    Merveille Mukoko founder of “Yekola Inc”

  • “The Nobellum Innovator program is an experience I want to have over and over again. Nobellum is an Entrepreneurial family that gave me the right resources to get past my stuck phase. I had access to a coach that gave me the right advice to cut off activities that were keeping me going round in a circle of confusion. My interactions with my coach brought clarity to what I was doing. Shoutout to the Nobellum team, Melissa and Mr. Taiwo!!!!!”

    Faith Labija founder of “Chuchu Softies”