Applications are now open for the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator Kenya – Cohort 9. This accelerator programme is designed to support women-led, tech-enabled startups in Kenya by providing business training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and equity-free grant funding. Funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation and implemented by Village Capital in partnership with the @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre at Strathmore University, the programme equips women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, networks, and support to build resilient businesses and scale their impact.
Program Benefits
• Opportunity to receive up to USD 10,000 in equity-free grant funding, awarded to the top finalists.
• A structured business acceleration programme.
• Expert mentorship and one-on-one coaching.
• Tailored business development support.
• Investor readiness training.
• Access to B2B networking opportunities.
• Membership in the Women in Tech Alumni Network.
• Six months of post-programme support through Village Capital.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be women-led or women-founded startups.
• The business must be tech-enabled and operate in Kenya.
• The startup must have an innovative product or service with growth potential.
• Founders must be committed to participating fully in the accelerator programme.
• The business must demonstrate the potential to create measurable economic and social impact.
Programme Focus Areas
The accelerator supports startups that leverage technology to solve real-world challenges across various sectors, including:
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• HealthTech
• Agritech
• EdTech
• Climate Technology
• E-commerce
• Digital Services
• Enterprise Solutions
• Other technology-enabled businesses
Application Details
• Application Deadline: July 25, 2026.
• How to Apply: Interested founders can learn more and submit their applications through the official programme website: https://www.womenintech.ke/#/cohort-9
The Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator seeks to close the gaps that women entrepreneurs continue to face in accessing capital, mentorship, and strategic networks. The initiative provides founders with practical business support, expert guidance, and catalytic funding to help them build sustainable, high-impact businesses that create jobs and drive innovation in Kenya.