When we launched Techies Connect, one mission was clear: promote local tech solutions. Create a space where apps built by us, for us, could shine. Reality caught up with us fast.
In the community, when a Cameroonian app goes viral, it's rarely to celebrate it. It's to report the bugs, criticise the UX, announce they're never coming back. We tried to run our own events using local payment and registration tools. We couldn't. We had to fall back on cash.
The problem isn't that local solutions don't exist. It's that they're barely usable. So we asked ourselves the real question: how do you promote what you can't yet use yourself?
The answer is The Lab. We test, we challenge, we strengthen — and only then do we put the solution in the spotlight and mobilise the community behind it. Because real support isn't just saying "good luck". It's making sure that one day, what's built here is undeniably good.
3 phases. 1 launch.
The Lab
The project is submitted to the community. Professionals test, challenge and give structured, honest feedback — UX, bugs, viability. The goal: identify flaws before launch. If the project passes the expert committee, it becomes eligible for The Lab certification.
The Live Pitch
Before the official launch, present your solution to the community — at a TCB or an online talk. Explain why you built it, what problem it solves, why people should use it. A real stage, real eyes, real questions.
The Launch Party
On launch day, you don't go alone. The entire TC community mobilises — coordinated sharing, comments, simultaneous interactions. For one week, your product is everywhere in the TC ecosystem.
The Lab certification
A community label that certifies a product has been tested and validated by a TC professional committee. Eligible under conditions. Visible on BuildersWave.
Submit
Have a product you want to put to the test?
Submit it to The Lab and let the community help you make it undeniably good.
Submit my projectReview
Want to be part of the expert committee?
Volunteer as a reviewer and help strengthen local tech solutions.
Volunteer as a reviewer