The Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator is an 8-week program for seed-stage startups across Africa developing technology-enabled solutions in sustainability sectors. Hosted in Nairobi and part of UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative, the accelerator is designed to help founders scale innovative approaches in agriculture, mobility, the built environment, and energy.
Program Overview
- Duration: 8 weeks (4 weeks in-person in Nairobi, 4 weeks hybrid)
- Dates: October 27 – December 19, 2025
- Location: GreenTech Hub, Nairobi, Kenya
- Language: English (participants must be proficient in written and spoken English)
- Cost: Tuition-free, equity-free, non-investment program
- Application Deadlines:
- Priority: August 29, 2025
- Final: September 19, 2025
Target Participants
- Seed-stage startups focused on the African market
- Tech or tech-enabled business models
- Teams that have launched or recently introduced their product(s)
- Founders with a mission to create sustainable impact
- Teams of 2–3 members available for 4 weeks in-person in Nairobi
Sectors of Focus
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Mobility
- Built Environment
- Additional thematic areas include:
- Climate adaptation & energy transition
- Food systems & agri-tech
- Health systems & population resilience
- Digital public infrastructure & financial inclusion
- Gender equity & care economies
- Education & edtech
- Biodiversity & nature tech
Program Benefits
1. Sector-Specific Mentorship
- Guidance from sustainability and growth experts with experience scaling startups in emerging markets.
2. Local & Global Networking
- Access to ecosystem partners, including government bodies, corporate entities, and venture capital.
3. Global South Founder Community
- Peer learning, collaborative sessions, and a 3-day retreat focused on leadership, wellness, and impact.
4. Learning & Growth Resources
- 1:1 mentorship with commercial and technical experts
- Workshops, bi-weekly roundtables, and fireside chats with industry leaders
- Showcase event to present progress and solutions
Program Structure
- Pre-Program: Application review and selection (priority applicants reviewed earlier).
- Weeks 1–2: Founders’ Retreat & Foundations of Growth – marketing, customer profiling, and core strategy.
- Weeks 3–4: Growth & Scaling – refining solutions, mentorship, and technical development.
- Weeks 5–7: Acceleration Deep Dive – hybrid delivery, in-person events, and virtual mentoring.
- Week 8: Showcase Preparation & Event – pitching solutions to an audience of partners and stakeholders.
Partnership & Investment Opportunities
While the program itself is non-investment, participants will interact with 500 Global’s investment team. 500 Global or its affiliates may consider selected startups for potential capital contributions at their discretion.
The Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator aims to empower Africa’s next generation of sustainability-focused entrepreneurs through mentorship, resources, and strategic connections. By providing sector expertise, collaborative networks, and a platform to refine scalable solutions, the program supports founders driving meaningful environmental and social impact. Applications are managed directly through the program’s official channels.