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The Xcelerator training program provides training and mentoring on entrepreneurship and commercialization to USAID and Grand Challenges grantees to increase the likelihood that their innovations will succeed. The training prepares innovators to address the complexities of implementing a new technology in the developing world and turn inventive ideas into products that have broad impact on the lives of the poorest populations.
The Xcelerator training program is implemented through the NCIIA in partnership with USAID and The Lemelson Foundation. The focal point of the eight-month program is an immersive multi-day training preceded by pre-course preparation and an assessment of the stage that each team is at in the innovation process. Following the training, teams are offered individualized team support that guides them toward their individualized scale-up strategies.
In the pre-course preparation phase, we ask teams to gather specific information about their target markets, including problem identification and competitive landscape analysis. Also in this phase, we conduct an assessment of where the teams are in their innovation pathway.
While teams are immersed in several days of training, they focus intensely on aspects of their strategy including problem framing, customer development, financial sustainability options, conducting a value chain analysis and identifying and communicating their value proposition.
Through individualized coaching and mentoring, post-training activities support the teams in refining scale-up strategies and addressing specific barriers to scale including legal frameworks, manufacturing, distribution and strategic partnerships.
