I believe the ICT incubator is one of the best initiatives that the government of Maldives have taken to develop an industry after the mechanisation of the “Mas Dhoni” for the development of fisheries industry and the “Seed Support” given for the development of tourism industry. As the key resource working for the implementation of this project I know and experience first hand,  the high level of commitment, support and dedication of the stakeholders -  the NCIT, CAM and Wataniya Telecom Maldives to make this project a real success.  The NCIT has been working on this project since 2007. They have sought funding from various donor  agencies for the development of this project. The building the government has developed and provided for this project is living proof of the commitment the government is giving to this project.

There is no doubt that Wataniya Telecom Maldives is one of the  largest foreign investments in the Maldives. Wataniya is also a leader in the introduction of new and innovative products and services that sparks the desire for more technological innovations in the Maldives.  As a key player in the ICT industry, Wataniya shares the vision of the the government that technology is the key to taking forward the economy of the Maldives as an  player in this fast changing global economy. Hence Wataniya Telecom Maldives felt it is their Corporate Social Responsibility to be the major supporter of the government’s vision for the development of the ICT industry by exploiting the untapped talent in the Maldives.

Therefore to ensure the successful implementation of the vision of the government Wataniya Telecom Maldives not only provides the necessary funding but also takes a  lead role in the implementation of this project.

This is indeed all good news for the young  Maldivian entrepreneurs. Many talented entrepreneurs don’t have the space or desire to start a business out of their home, yet start their business by renting expensive space in Male’ and setting up the the essential support functions which is energy draining and financially overwhelming when their limited financial resources and energy are more needed for the development of their business.

Therefore I believe that the Wataniya  ICT Incubator will be the perfect solution for such individuals and groups.

The ICT Incubator will be floating the RFP for submission of proposals to incubate companies and individuals with innovative ICT business concepts and ideas. So I would call upon all entrepreneurs who have good ICT business concepts and ideas or existing companies  to carefully consider if their business, idea or concept is really ready for this first step.

Here are some tips I can share with all potential incubatees.

Your  business must be entrepreneurially sound, able to function on its own, if needed. The incubator cannot replace your business initiative, personal effort and resourcefulness. There is a term used called “incubator syndrome” in which the entrepreneur allows their initiative and judgment to be replaced by those of the consultants who would be available at the incubator to guide and support. While the Wataniya ICT incubator will provide a variety of support programmes and consultants may give superb advice, it is the entrepreneur’s responsibility to make the business succeed. So think about these aspects of incubation and have your ideas and concepts ready by the time you will be called in to submit your proposals in a few weeks time.

Good luck and I look forward to see superb original ideas and concepts to come forward from visionary Maldivian entrepreneurs who would be the next generation of big players in the Maldives ICT industry.

Sobah Rasheed – Wataniya ICT Incubator Project Manager