Rwanda's technology incubator think has shortlisted its first group of companies selected to participate in a six-month accelerator program beginning in Kigali, Rwanda in early November 2014. The four selected teams represent innovative, digital, private sector solutions that demonstrate the potential to scale across Africa.

The startups selected from more than 150 applications from across the globe have qualified for the programme due to outstanding factors and those with incredible promise of success. Founders have been defined as Smart, determined and have the potential to scale their firms across the continent.

The companies have been offered $15,000 funding, access to Tigo networks across Africa, mentoring from business and tech leaders, tech-specific curriculum on how to develop their businesses and a range of support from think corporate partners.

The following winners were selected after in-depth interviews with think's Investment Committee:

 

Beliaa, Egypt:  www.beliaa.com

Beliaa is a mobile application for Road Assistance, using GPS Location services, and provides traffic tracking and other transportation information features.  The company was founded in 2012 by Amgad Morgan, and has quickly been gaining user traction in Cairo.

 

Cribpark, Nigeria:  www.cribpark.com

Cribpark offers platform for real estate matching, home design, and architecture, and connects homeowners to an array of valuable goods and services.  Cofounded by Dare O. Pius and Oaldapo Ayo, the team of eight is building a one-stop shop for African housing items for a local context.

 

PollAfrique, Ghana:  www.pollafrique.com

PollAfrique is a research platform for Africa, allowing respondents to participate in incentivized surveys via a number of online channels.  Developed out of Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (M.E.S.T.) in Ghana, CEO Samuel Dzidzornu leads a strong team that will bring a new perspective on big data.  Recently featured onCNBC, PollAfrique has been highlighted as a "Venture of Pan-African Significance".

 

TorQue, Rwanda: www.torque.co.rw

TorQue delivers channel management software for wholesale distributors in the beverage and telecommunications industries and is designed to run the entire distribution business.  Founded in Kigali by Jean Niyotwagira, the company has some traction with large-scale beverage distributors, and is looking to expand.

The tech startups will mark the beginning of their journey to provide digital solutions for Africa. With its young dynamic population and significant government investment in the country's ICT infrastructure, think is definitely a startup incubator to watch.