WIREDGOV

Microsoft is throwing its weight behind a Scottish company’s expansion plans in Africa, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed yesterday.

The software giant has awarded Glasgow-based tech company Cojengo funding, technical support and one-on-one mentorship to fast-track the Scottish company’s growth.

Cojengo has developed the ‘VetAfrica’ mobile app to help tens of millions of farmers across the continent to solve animal health issues and share disease surveillance data.

The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative aims to accelerate African innovation, ensuring that entrepreneurs, such as Cojengo, continue to grow their businesses.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“Microsoft has shown faith in Cojengo, a Scottish company embracing, and tapping into, the mobile technology revolution sweeping Africa.

“This funding and support, from one of the world’s biggest companies, will help Cojengo expand its business, and in doing so, help transform the lives of rural farmers on the African continent.

“Cojengo is one of a new generation of creative Scottish companies making their mark across the world, demonstrating the ambition and skills to create and grow successful businesses.”

Craig Taylor, CEO of Cojengo adds:

“Microsoft’s innovation grant puts Cojengo in a very strong position for the future. It helps us continue to deliver innovative solutions that address global challenges.

“Our app enables vets, animal health workers and rural farmers to quickly and accurately diagnose livestock illness and identify which drugs are most effective to treat disease.

“Microsoft will also connect our company with relevant partners to help commercialise our mobile app solutions.”

Peter Ferry, Scotland Market Development Manager at Microsoft, added:

“Taking innovation to the worldwide market as quickly as possible is imperative for tech start-ups. To this end, Microsoft has assisted Cojengo in Scotland, in Africa and on the global stage.

“Working with Scottish Development International, Microsoft Scotland was proud to feature Cojengo’s innovation at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, attended by 16,000 tech industry entrepreneurs in Washington D.C. in July 2014. The 4Afrika Innovation Grant recognises the potential of the VetAfrika app, and supports Cojengo in its growth, creating employment and success across Scotland and East Africa.”

Simon Smith, Business Gateway Manager at Business Gateway Glasgow, said:

“We’re delighted for Cojengo. Glasgow has a strong reputation for innovation and creativity and Cojengo portrays that perfectly. Business Gateway has already assisted them to access early stage funding and we continue to work with them and other partners, including Scottish Enterprise and SDI, to support their business as it grows.”

Notes To Editors

Cojengo has received support and advice from Business Gateway Glasgow, Scottish Enterprise, University of Strathclyde’s Entrepreneurial Network and the Gabriel Investment Syndicate.