The programme
Where the Office of
Astronomy for Development
meets a startup incubator.
AstroBizNet is a free, fully online programme for young adults in Namibia and Botswana. It runs in two halves: the first builds genuine scientific literacy through astronomy, the second takes exactly those habits and points them at markets, customers and business models.
The essentials
Young adults aged 20–35
University students and graduates, unemployed graduates, early-career professionals, and people from underserved communities. We are particularly interested in people who have never had a route into technical work before.
Namibia and Botswana
Windhoek in Namibia; Gaborone and Palapye in Botswana. Online participation is open across both countries.
Free, and funded
Nothing to apply, nothing to participate. For the six finalists, accommodation, meals and local transport during the October final are covered.
A computer and a connection
Everything runs in the browser on the learning platform. Lessons are self-paced, with live mentorship sessions alongside them.
Eight weeks
Two lessons a week plus a weekly assessment. The assessments are not busywork — they are the filtering mechanism that decides who reaches the final six.
A live pitch competition
Six finalists present a business idea or technical solution to judges, mentors and university representatives over three days in October, competing for seed funding.
Supported by
