ThinkLab is a space that aims to stimulate innovation and promote the development of services, business models and technological solutions that drive modernization and promote the evolution of the communications sector in Mozambique.
The Communications Regulatory Authority – INCM now has an incubator for Startups and National Entrepreneurs. Called ThinkLab, the space was inaugurated by the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga.
ThinkLab is a space that aims to stimulate innovation and promote the development of services, business models and technological solutions that drive modernization and promote the evolution of the communications sector in Mozambique. Its inauguration takes place in the context of the celebrations of the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the INCM.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Muchanga said that the celebration of the 33rdor INCM’s anniversary is marked by a unique moment for the communications sector in Mozambique, with the inauguration of the ThinkLab, a space for the incubation of startups and national entrepreneurs in technological innovation;
During these 33 years, due to the work of the Regulator, according to Américo Muchanga, millions of people have been able to connect, communicate safely. People connect, companies flourish, among other results.
Regarding the incubator, the Minister urged innovation and appreciation of initiatives such as those that will be incubated by the INCM, because the country needs innovators and innovation.
“A nation without innovation is a nation of sleeping minds. The ThinkLab is a laboratory for the design of digital solutions to the most pressing national challenges. It is also a platform for collaboration, where the private sector, academia and the Government, in coordination, plan and project the future we want. ThinkLab materializes the conviction that, in the 21st century, economic and social development is only built with technological innovation and entrepreneurial courage. And ThinkLab was designed to play that role.”
– Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Mozambique
He also urged to look at the 33 years of the INCM as a milestone and determination of concern for the country’s growth.
“Because we are in a place where we have telecommunications, we have banking services, knowledge and much more, so we are privileged. If we don’t make it count, we are defrauding others who do not have the same conditions. That’s why we must value it.”
– Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Mozambique
According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the INCM, Helena Fernandes, the ThinkLab incubator will contribute to the promotion of Digital Inclusion and the development of the communications sector. He also explained that it is a result of the INCM having identified the lack of space for many promising ideas to flourish and represents the future we want to build for Mozambique.
The Incubator Project is fully aligned with INCM’s mission to regulate, supervise and encourage the sustainable growth of the digital ecosystem in Mozambique. For its creation, as explained by the PCA, the INCM, as a regulator, understood that its mission goes beyond regulating, but also facilitating innovation, creating conditions for new technological solutions to be born, grow and generate impact.
“ThinkLab is not just a brand, it is a space of opportunities. And the proof of this is here: 12 selected national startups and entrepreneurs, who represent the best of our entrepreneurial spirit – visionary and resilient young people, determined to present concrete solutions to the challenges of digital transformation in Mozambique.”
– Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Mozambique
For Ana Priscila Salomão, head of the Department of Studies and Statistics, “the ThinkLab is a space that was born to welcome talent, generate innovation and boost the digital ecosystem. This project started in early 2024 and went through several stages”.
He also explained that, in the selection process of the projects submitted for the first technological incubation program, 51 applications were submitted, of which 12 were selected.
The evaluation was based on criteria such as gender, degree of maturity of the projects, level of preparation of the candidates, area of operation/category, as well as inclusion and universal access.
This project is expected to foster digital transformation, encouraging the emergence of innovative solutions that respond to the challenges of the communications market and expand access to technologies, promote solutions that benefit the whole society and contribute to the reduction of inequalities in access and use of technologies.
The INCM’s Technological Incubator will, among other aspects:
- Support entrepreneurs in the initial phase of their projects and foster initiatives that promote connectivity, digital inclusion, digital literacy and technological advancement;
- Stimulate technological innovation in the communications sector, encouraging solutions that improve the quality and accessibility of digital services in the country;
- Offer technical and regulatory support, ensuring that incubated projects are aligned with industry standards and best practices;
- Provide resources, training and specialized mentoring, connecting entrepreneurs with industry experts and promoting sustainable business development;
- Facilitate access to financing and investors, creating opportunities for scalability and commercial viability of incubated solutions;
- Create a collaborative innovation ecosystem, promoting strategic partnerships between startups, companies, academic institutions and regulators;
- Support the validation of technological solutions in the market, ensuring that innovations respond to real challenges and boost the country’s digital development;
- Integrate principles of inclusion and gender equality, encouraging diverse participation in the technological ecosystem.
