Legal

By accessing or using the Hillsgrowth website, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use our website.

Hillsgrowth is a startup incubation and innovation hub that supports entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, networking, and business development programs.

You must be at least 18 years old or have the permission of a parent or legal guardian to use our services or apply to our programs.

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into any Hillsgrowth program. All applications are reviewed according to our selection criteria.

All content on this website, including text, logos, graphics, videos, and designs, is the property of Hillsgrowth or its licensors and may not be copied or distributed without written permission.

Startups participating in Hillsgrowth retain ownership of their own intellectual property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Users agree to:

• Provide accurate information.
• Use the website lawfully.
• Not attempt to hack, damage, or disrupt the website.
• Respect other users and community members.

Hillsgrowth respects confidential business information. However, applicants should avoid submitting highly confidential information unless a separate confidentiality agreement has been signed.

Hillsgrowth provides educational and mentoring services. We do not guarantee funding, business success, investment, or commercial outcomes.

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. Hillsgrowth is not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

We may update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Continued use of the website means you accept the updated terms.

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Burundi.

These Application Terms govern the submission of applications to programs, events, incubators, accelerators, fellowships, competitions, and other opportunities offered by Hillsgrowth. By submitting an application, you agree to these terms.

Applicants must:

• Provide accurate and truthful information.
• Be authorized to submit the application on behalf of the startup or organization (if applicable).
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Hillsgrowth may establish additional eligibility requirements for specific programs.

Submitting an application does not guarantee:

• Acceptance into any program.
• Funding or investment.
• Mentorship.
• Partnerships.
• Business opportunities.

Applications are evaluated based on the specific criteria of each program.

Applicants certify that all information submitted is true, complete, and accurate.

Providing false or misleading information may result in:

• Rejection of the application.
• Removal from a program.
• Disqualification from future Hillsgrowth opportunities.

Applicants retain ownership of all intellectual property submitted with their application.

By submitting an application, applicants grant Hillsgrowth permission to review, evaluate, and internally share submitted materials with authorized staff, mentors, judges, or selection committee members for the purpose of evaluating the application.

Hillsgrowth will take reasonable measures to protect confidential information submitted during the application process. However, applicants should avoid submitting highly sensitive or confidential information unless a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) has been signed.

Hillsgrowth reserves the right to:

• Accept or reject any application.
• Request additional information.
• Conduct interviews or due diligence.
• Modify application requirements or deadlines.
• Cancel or postpone any program.

All decisions made by Hillsgrowth regarding applicant selection are final.

Personal information submitted through the application process will be handled in accordance with the Hillsgrowth Privacy Policy.

By submitting an application, applicants agree that Hillsgrowth may contact them regarding:

• Application status.
• Program updates.
• Events and workshops.
• Other opportunities related to Hillsgrowth.

Applicants may unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time.

Hillsgrowth shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damage arising from the application process or participation in any program.

Hillsgrowth may update these Application Terms at any time. The latest version will be published on this website.

These Application Terms shall be governed by the laws of Burundi.

These Mentor Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") govern participation as a mentor with Hillsgrowth. By accepting a mentoring role, you agree to comply with these terms.

Mentors are expected to:

• Share knowledge, experience, and professional guidance.
• Support founders in developing their businesses.
• Encourage ethical and responsible entrepreneurship.
• Act in the best interests of the startups they mentor.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions.

Mentors serve as advisors and do not make business decisions on behalf of startups.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, mentoring services are provided on a voluntary basis. Any compensation, reimbursement, or honorarium will be governed by a separate written agreement.

Mentors may receive confidential information from startups and Hillsgrowth.

Mentors agree to:

• Keep confidential information private.
• Use such information only for mentoring purposes.
• Not disclose confidential information without written permission, unless required by law.

Mentors must promptly disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including:

• Financial interests in a participating startup.
• Relationships that may affect impartiality.
• Any circumstance that could influence objective advice.

Hillsgrowth may reassign mentors if a conflict of interest arises.

All intellectual property created by participating startups remains the property of the startup unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Mentors shall not claim ownership of a startup's ideas, inventions, business plans, software, trademarks, or other intellectual property solely because they provided mentoring or advice.

Mentors agree to:

• Treat all participants with dignity and respect.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
• Avoid harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior.
• Comply with all Hillsgrowth policies and applicable laws.

Without the startup's prior written consent, mentors shall not:

• Solicit investments or personal financial benefits from startups.
• Recruit startup employees for unrelated business opportunities.
• Misuse their mentoring position for personal gain.

Mentors acknowledge that:

• Hillsgrowth does not guarantee the success of any startup.
• Mentoring does not create an employment, partnership, agency, or fiduciary relationship between the mentor and Hillsgrowth or participating startups.

Hillsgrowth may suspend or terminate a mentor's participation at any time if the mentor:

• Violates these Terms.
• Acts unethically or unlawfully.
• Engages in conduct that harms participants or the reputation of Hillsgrowth.

Mentors may also withdraw from the program by providing reasonable notice.

Hillsgrowth is not liable for any claims, losses, or damages arising from mentoring activities, except where required by applicable law.

These Mentor Terms shall be governed by the laws of Burundi.

Hillsgrowth is committed to creating a professional, inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for founders, mentors, investors, partners, employees, volunteers, speakers, and guests.

This Code of Conduct applies to all Hillsgrowth activities, including online and in-person programs, workshops, networking events, demo days, meetings, and communications.

Everyone participating in Hillsgrowth is expected to uphold these values:

• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Inclusion
• Accountability

Participants are expected to:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Listen to different perspectives.
• Communicate honestly and professionally.
• Be punctual and prepared.
• Respect confidentiality.
• Support a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Follow all applicable laws and regulations.
• Protect Hillsgrowth's reputation.

The following behaviors are prohibited:

• Harassment or bullying.
• Discrimination based on race, nationality, gender, religion, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.
• Intimidation or threats.
• Hate speech or abusive language.
• Sexual harassment or unwanted advances.
• Violence or threats of violence.
• Fraud, corruption, or bribery.
• Theft or misuse of property.
• Sharing confidential information without permission.
• Plagiarism or intellectual property theft.
• Disruptive behavior that interferes with programs or events.

Participants must respect confidential information shared by:

• Startups
• Mentors
• Investors
• Partners
• Hillsgrowth staff

Confidential information must not be disclosed without permission unless required by law.

Participants should disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may affect their impartiality or professional responsibilities.

Participants must respect copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property rights.

Startups retain ownership of their own intellectual property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Participants must not:

• Hack or attempt unauthorized access.
• Upload malicious software.
• Misuse Hillsgrowth systems.
• Share false or misleading information.

Participants should:

• Represent Hillsgrowth professionally.
• Avoid posting confidential information.
• Respect the privacy of others.
• Avoid defamatory or offensive content related to Hillsgrowth or its community.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses misconduct is encouraged to report it promptly to Hillsgrowth.

Reports will be handled fairly and confidentially to the extent possible.

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in:

• Verbal or written warning.
• Removal from an event or program.
• Suspension from participation.
• Permanent removal from Hillsgrowth programs.
• Termination of partnerships or mentorship.
• Legal action where appropriate.

Hillsgrowth prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith or participates in an investigation.

Hillsgrowth may update this Code of Conduct from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

Hillsgrowth values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

We may collect:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Company or startup information
• Application information
• Website usage information
• Any information you voluntarily provide

We use your information to:

• Process applications.
• Communicate with you.
• Improve our programs.
• Organize events and workshops.
• Respond to inquiries.
• Send updates if you choose to receive them.

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information with:

• Mentors
• Investors (only with your permission)
• Service providers supporting our operations
• Authorities where required by law

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no online system is completely secure.

We retain your information only as long as necessary for our programs, legal obligations, or legitimate business purposes.

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Access your data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Withdraw consent where applicable

To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@hillsgrowth.com.

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and analyze website performance.

Our services are not intended for children under 13 without parental consent.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page.

This Cookie Policy explains how Hillsgrowth uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, improve performance, and provide a better user experience.

Hillsgrowth uses cookies to:

• Keep the website functioning properly.
• Improve website performance and user experience.
• Remember your preferences and settings.
• Understand how visitors use our website.
• Enhance the security of our website.
• Measure the effectiveness of our content and communications.

• Essential Cookies: these cookies are necessary for the website to function correctly. Without them, certain features may not be available.
• Performance and Analytics Cookies: these cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website so we can improve its performance and usability.
• Functional Cookies: these cookies remember your preferences, such as language or region, to provide a more personalized experience.
• Marketing Cookies: if used, these cookies help us understand the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns and may be used to display relevant information about Hillsgrowth's programs and events.

Some services integrated into our website may place cookies on your device, such as analytics providers, video hosting platforms, or social media services. These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies.

Most web browsers allow you to:

• View stored cookies.
• Delete cookies.
• Block all or selected cookies.
• Receive notifications before cookies are stored.

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the website.

Hillsgrowth may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.