The Test Drive is a programme that gives Mauritian entrepreneurs an opportunity to fine-tune their business model free of charge and ensure the feasibility of their start-ups through expert-led workshops. If you have a good idea, make sure to register your interest before 12 September 2019!
Moka is a great city for business, where the Turbine will soon host the participants of the third edition of the Test Drive. Three evening workshops will take place from 10 to 31 October and the final pitch will be held on 12 November. A prize of Rs 75,000 will be offered to the winner by the accounting firm, BDO & Co.!
To launch a start-up, every entrepreneur must have skills in market analysis, marketing strategies, financial models, value propositions, sales techniques, branding and prototyping, among others – topics that will be covered during the Test Drive. “Our workshops are designed and delivered by industry experts and entrepreneurship coaches, who will also offer private consultations,” says the Turbine’s Community Associate, Shubhda Gujadhur.
Reasons to participate
Unlike a lecture, participants do not work individually. “The Test Drive is an opportunity to create a community of entrepreneurs and innovators who support each other professionally and emotionally,” says Shubhda. Another good reason to participate is that the workshops are free of charge; the programme also allows you to take on board other people’s views on your idea. The experts and coaches will give you the tools to implement and determine the feasibility of your project.
Don’t worry about protecting your idea, we’ll take care of that! All participants must sign a non-disclosure agreement from the outset of the programme.
Those selected for the incubator programme after the Test Drive will have free access to the Turbine’s co-working space in Moka, as well as business coaching, professional workshops, visibility on various communication platforms and access to a network of professionals.
Who can apply?
Me, you, anyone can apply, provided you have an idea and are not part of another incubator programme. Applicants will be judged on their expertise and their start-up’s potential for growth.
The Turbine received 125 applications for the previous edition of the Test Drive and some 20 entrepreneurs were selected. Rick Bonnier’s invention, a revolutionary robot that can recover plastic waste from the sea, was crowned and three entrepreneurs were selected to join the incubator. It could be your turn this time.
For more information and to register by 12 September 2019, please click here
About the experts
Laurent Bourelly, Group Head of Marketing and Communication at ENL, Marc Israël, engineer and CEO of Aetheis, Joe Lodge and Coralie Marti, founders of Gemstone Training and the Compass Venture Capital team.
