Seven innovative women-led technology startups have received a significant boost, being awarded a total of $70,000 in seed funding. The investment from Standard Chartered Kenya and Strathmore University’s iBizAfrica follows the graduation of the eighth Women in Tech Accelerator cohort. This initiative empowers female entrepreneurs to scale high-impact, tech-enabled solutions addressing key challenges in Kenya.
Fostering Innovation Through Strategic Partnership
The partnership between the bank and the university continues to nurture a vibrant ecosystem for female entrepreneurs. The eighth cohort, launched in July 2025, saw 15 finalists selected from 84 applicants for an intensive 12-week accelerator. The curriculum focused on critical areas like financial modeling, product development, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration.
Spotlight on the Winning Ventures
A panel of industry experts and academic leaders selected seven standout businesses to each receive $10,000 in funding. The winners represent diverse sectors critical to Kenya's development, including healthcare, agritech, sustainability, and the creative economy. This funding will help these enterprises scale their operations and deepen their social and economic impact.
In healthcare, winners included UzimaNexus, a digital platform improving efficiency, Etiba East Africa, providing in-home medical services, and AshaCare, offering tailored community health solutions. These ventures aim to address pressing health challenges through innovative technological applications. Their selection highlights the program's focus on accessible and quality care.
Sustainability innovators were also prominent, with Timao Group recognized for converting plastic waste into eco-friendly building materials. Pollen Patrollers, an agritech firm using AI to protect bee colonies, also secured funding for its vital environmental work. Rounding out the winners were sustainable textile brand Tuwe Bora and natural beauty products developer Busu Skincare.
A Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Leaders from both organizations emphasized their commitment to fostering inclusive innovation through targeted support for women. Nivi Sharma, a Standard Chartered Kenya Board Director, stated the bank intentionally invests in women because their leadership yields more sustainable solutions. She celebrated the graduates as innovators who are breaking barriers and creating tangible impact.
This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor of Strathmore University, who praised the entrepreneurs for reimagining industries. He remarked that their creativity and commitment reflect the university's mission of developing transformative leaders. Dr. Ogutu concluded that when women rise in technology, their entire communities are uplifted with them.
A Legacy of Impact and Economic Opportunity
Since its 2017 inception, the Women in Tech programme has established a significant track record of success. The initiative has attracted over 1,621 applications and has directly supported 93 women-led ventures across eight cohorts. To date, the program has disbursed $390,000 in funding to 46 of these promising businesses.
The program's influence extends beyond capital, providing crucial mentorship, business advisory services, and access to investor networks. This support has enabled alumni businesses to create 280 jobs, demonstrating a clear return on investment. A notable success is Bena Care Ltd, a past participant that has grown to generate significant annual revenue.
This latest funding round underscores the critical role of targeted support in unlocking the potential of female entrepreneurs. By addressing the funding and skills gap, the initiative contributes to the vast economic opportunity identified by the World Bank for closing the gender divide. These seven newly funded ventures are now poised to drive innovation and build a more sustainable future for Kenya.