Standard Chartered Kenya and @iBizAfrica–Strathmore University have awarded KES 9.1 million to seven women-led startups at the graduation of the 8th Women in Tech Accelerator Programme.
Each of the winning businesses received KES 1.3 million to help scale their tech-based solutions addressing Kenya’s most pressing economic, environmental, and social challenges.
Now in its eighth year, the Women in Tech Programme has established itself as one of East Africa’s most influential accelerators for female tech founders.
Nivi Sharma, Standard Chartered Kenya Board Director, praised the graduates: “Every woman graduating today represents resilience, vision and the power of possibility.When women lead, innovation becomes more inclusive, sustainable and far-reaching.”
The initiative goes beyond funding, offering participants intensive training, global mentorship, business advisory services, investor linkages, and access to vital entrepreneurial networks.
The programme has a strong track record, with many alumni securing international awards, raising major investments, and expanding into new markets across Africa.
This year’s edition attracted 84 applications, from which 15 women-led ventures were selected for a rigorous 12-week accelerator.
The curriculum covered topics such as sustainability, ESG integration, financial modelling, product design, prototyping, leadership, and go-to-market strategy. At the end of the programme, a panel of industry experts and academics selected seven outstanding startups for funding.
Strathmore University Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Ogutu added that the WiT Programme has become a benchmark for nurturing ethical, future-ready African innovators, producing entrepreneurs who are making a strong social impact.
Programme Impact
Over eight cohorts, the Women in Tech Accelerator has received over 1,621 applications, trained 93 women-led enterprises, and awarded KES 50.6 million to 46 startups. Alumni have expanded into markets in Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa, growing businesses that now employ hundreds of young people,especially women,and introducing solutions across fintech, agritech, healthtech, climate tech, circular economy, fashion, and the creative industries.
By pairing investment with world-class mentorship and practical support, the Women in Tech Programme is closing the gender gap in technology and entrepreneurship, cementing women’s place at the heart of Africa’s digital and economic transformation.
The Seven Winning Startups:
- Etiba East Africa: Personalized in-home medical and wellness services.
- UzimaNexus: A digital operating system to boost transparency and efficiency in healthcare.
- Pollen Patrollers: Smart hive-monitoring technology to reduce bee colony losses and improve bee health.
- Tuwe Bora: Sustainable textiles, handcrafted fashion, tailor training, and textile recycling.
- Busu Skincare: Natural, locally sourced skincare products.
- Timao Group: Eco-friendly building materials from recycled plastic waste.
- AshaCare: Community health solutions for improved access and quality of care.
