Standard Chartered Bank in Partnership with iBizAfrica, Strathmore University has shortlisted 11 start-ups for the Women in Tech Incubator, a program developed to build the capacity of female-led start-ups.
The finalists include Mzurii, Africa Solutions, Nekkta, Maziwa Plus, Avopower, HeriOnline, Zydii, ZOA, Beta Art, Catapult Studios and Bismart.
The 11 will go through 12 week incubation at @iBizAfrica, Strathmore University’s leading tech incubator that will include mentorship; coaching by top business leaders, technology and legal professionals; immersive world-class entrepreneurship curriculum; networking and exposure opportunities to expand their business networks. Upon successful completion, the start-ups will be given membership to the Kenya Women In Technology fellowship program and alumni network.
“We had a team 40 entrepreneurs selected through online adjudication process pitch to a panel of judges made up of Standard Chartered and Strathmore University resources. The 11 were then shortlisted based on team composition- such as female founder and a well stated problem and solutions. The teams also demonstrated sound business model with clearly defined target market client base and had measurable social impact in the communities they operate,” explained Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iBizAfrica- Strathmore University.
The 11 women entrepreneurs will then present their final output to a panel of judges who will select five winners to be awarded USD 10,000 in seed funding.
The Sh20 million program targeting women-led start up attracted 187 applications from the general public, schools, colleges and universities in Kenya.
Standard Chartered CEO, Lamin Manjang, noted that through the incubator program female-led start-ups in the ICT sector are positioned to transform Kenya through innovation. “This marks the beginning of a journey of innovation that will see top female-led start-ups transform into viable businesses. We congratulate the shortlisted teams and wish them the best of luck in the remaining selection stages. It’s very encouraging that we received applications from all over the country. We believe the shortlisted teams have great potential for advancing to the finals,” added Mr. Manjang.
The Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya is Africa’s leading women in tech incubator, aligning with calls for more diversity in technology and for more opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial and leadership expertise.
