AUK and Five One Labs launch the Ignite program in Duhok

Entrepreneurs in Duhok are now a major part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kurdistan and Iraq. After months of preparations, The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) and Five One Labe launch the first stage of their collaborative entrepreneurship program under the “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” project.

The Ignite program is a two-week pre-incubator program that funnels the top entrepreneurs to the incubator and takes them through the user and market research process. eventually, create and submit their feasibility study and present their pitches.

The project includes two Ignite cohorts that will be followed by an incubation program for the successful entrepreneurs of the two Ignites combined.

By the end of the incubator, each entrepreneur:

• - Builds and tests a prototype (working version of their product or service)
  - Builds their startup financial model

• - Develops a professional-looking pitch deck

• - Obtains their first customers or letters of intent

• - Defines their business model and strategy

This program is sponsored by The United States Department of State.