Applications are currently open for GreenTech startups to join the timbuktoo Launchpad, a venture-building program under Kenya’s timbuktoo GreenTech Hub. Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and anchored within timbuktoo, its flagship pan-African innovation initiative, the Launchpad is designed to identify, support, and prepare promising technology-driven startups developing solutions for Africa’s green transition and climate resilience, including innovations that address environmental challenges, expand clean energy access, advance circular economy models, and strengthen climate resilience across the continent.
Program Structure and Support
• Through the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub hosted in Kenya, UNDP is supporting the next generation of African entrepreneurs building solutions that can transform environmental sustainability and climate action at scale.
• Selected GreenTech startups will join the timbuktoo Launchpad and gain access to a distributed ecosystem of incubators, innovation hubs, mentors, and investors working together to support startups across Africa.
• Admitted startups will receive structured incubation support delivered by accredited incubators participating in the timbuktoo Launchpad, alongside access to a broader continental network of founders, ecosystem partners, and investors.
• Participants will also gain access to the timbuktoo Pan African Incubation digital platform, powered by Seedstars’ SIGMA platform, which provides structured tools, mentorship matching, learning resources, progress support, and AI-powered guidance to accelerate startup growth and strengthen investment readiness.
Programme Eligibility Criteria
• Be based in Africa or be building solutions targeting African green and climate markets.
• Have a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Have a committed founding team.
• Address a clearly defined challenge within climate action, clean energy, or environmental sustainability.
• Demonstrate potential for growth and scalability.
• Solutions may focus on areas such as clean energy and renewables, climate adaptation and resilience, sustainable agriculture, waste management and circular economy, water and resource efficiency, green mobility, carbon markets, or sustainable manufacturing.
• Applications are particularly encouraged from women-led startups, youth entrepreneurs, and founders working in underserved or rural communities.
Programme Benefits
• Structured incubation programs delivered by leading African incubators.
• Access to experienced mentors, climate tech entrepreneurs, and sector experts.
• Participation in a pan-African network of founders, incubators, and climate ecosystem partners.
• Access to the SIGMA digital platform for startup development and progress tracking.
• Investment readiness support, including pitch development and climate finance preparation.
• Participation in demo days and ecosystem events across Africa.
• Access to potential pathways to acceleration programs and early-stage investment opportunities.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: Applications are open on a rolling basis, with startups admitted through quarterly cohorts. No fixed application deadline has been announced.
• More Information: Further information is available on the official UNDP webpage for the timbuktoo Launchpad for GreenTech Startups.
African founders and startup teams developing scalable GreenTech solutions are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and apply for the opportunity to access structured incubation, expert mentorship, investment-readiness support, and a pan-African innovation ecosystem.