Entrepreneurs in Kenya, and East Africa region, are invited to apply to take part in NIW.Startups pitch competition 2019. It will be part of Nairobi Innovation Week activities.
Nairobi Innovation Week is a gathering that takes place every year. Its NIW.Startups program serves as a platform for promising startups to showcase their work. There is also an opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to initiate the funding conservation.
In 2018, NIW Startups was organized in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). Focus areas were in 5 broad areas related to economic development, read more about it here. This year there are 12 thematic areas for entrepreneurs to apply under:
- Agriculture and Food Processing
- Health and Life Sciences
- Manufacturing and Processing
- Innovative Housing
- Cleantech and Renewable Energy
- Education and Employability
- FinTech
- Government and Civic Tech
- Transport and Logostics
- e-commerce and Business Services
- Gaming and Entertainment
- Hardware Innovation
In addition, a startup is eligibile to apply if at least one of the founders is a citizen of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan or Burundi. The primary customer segments should also be based in at least one of these countries.
Startups will be selected to take part in pitches and the best 6 will be feted. 3 will be growth stage startups and the other 3 in the launch phase.
Photo: Nairobi Innovation WeekThis means startups at any stage of business can apply, there is something for all.
NIW.Startups has also arranged for post-program engagement, which you can read about on the official website. Deadline for application is 5th April, 2019.
