Wikimedia Germany has launched its own accelerator program called "Unlock," for which applications are now open. It is seeking projects and ideas that contribute to an open and informed knowledge society.
Unlock offers an online program that supports participating teams with needs-based coaching over three months to develop their idea into a prototype. The project teams receive ongoing support from coaches and are also networked with each other. They can also draw on a range of experts, from UX design to budgeting to conflict resolution. If needed, participants also receive financial support in the form of a stipend of up to €1,000 per month per team member.
The funded ideas can come from both the online and offline world. The accelerator is interested in technical interfaces to better connect knowledge from different sources, as well as projects that promote online discussion culture or ensure fairer knowledge exchange beyond the internet.
The accelerator program is divided into three sprints: The first sprint focuses on the product development process. This involves analyzing the team's current status and what they expect to achieve by the end of the program. In the second sprint, the project is further developed with the help of the coaches. The third and final sprint aims to create a minimum viable product, which will be presented at the subsequent demo day.
These teams can apply for Unlock
Teams of two to five people based in Germany with a concrete idea in the field of knowledge are welcome to apply. We are looking for people with an entrepreneurial mindset who bring a social entrepreneurial spirit. Applications are due by June 15, 2020, at www.wikimedia.de/unlock From all submissions, a jury consisting of various Wikimedia employees and some of the coaches who supervise the program will select five teams to participate in the Unlock Accelerator. The program starts in early August 2020.
Further information on topics, procedures and applications can be found here.
