startupperTotal PLC Uganda has launched a challenge named “Startupper of the year by Total.” Initiated simultaneously by the Total Group in 34 countries in Africa, the competition aims to identify, reward and provide support to the best business creation and business development projects under two years of existence in Uganda. The winning projects will be granted the “Startupper of the year 2016 by Total” label, as well as financial assistance and a coaching from Total PLC Uganda.

This call for free submission of projects is open to all Ugandan citizens aged thirty-five years and below.

The Registration portal will be open from November 1, 2015 (8:00 EAT), and can be accessed directly online at: http://startupper.total.com/ . Candidates will have until January 31, 2016 (23:00 EAT) to submit their applications.

A jury of professionals will pre-select up to ten of the best submitted projects in Uganda based on specific criteria which include innovation, originality, audacity and potential to impact on socio-economic development of the Ugandan society and its people.

The list of finalists will be published on the competition website by February 28, 2016.

After candidates’ defence which will take place by March 15, 2016, the jury will choose the best projects (up to three) and the results will be announced during the awards ceremony.

The complete contest rules are available online on the dedicated website (http://startupper.total.com/).

The Challenge “Startupper of the year by Total” is part of Total’s global initiative of supporting the socioeconomic development of all the countries where it operates worldwide. It is a very concrete action launched to locally contribute to the reinforcement of the industrial fabric and to employment on the African continent, by supporting the most daring and innovative entrepreneurs in realizing their project. This approach targets the emergence of new initiatives, while respecting the Total Group values.