List of startups selected to join Standard Chartered Women In Tech Ksh22m programme

Standard Chartered and @iBizAfrica- Strathmore University have announced the 15 startups selected to join their Women In Tech programme.

This year’s programme will bring together female entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to spearhead sustainable startups that generate impact. In line with this objective, the aim for this year’s cohort is to enable these startups to adhere to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, providing the startups with the opportunity to advance Kenyan and global initiatives.

“These start-ups exemplify the innovative spirit and resilience of women entrepreneurs in Kenya. We are committed to providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to scale their businesses and create sustainable impact for Kenya,” said Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of iBizAfrica, Strathmore University.

The fifteen startups become the seventh group of Kenyan-owned, female-led businesses that will undergo 12 weeks of business incubation training. Following the training, seven of the companies will each receive KES 1.2 in funding to grow their businesses.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future”, will focus on startups that have created technology-based sustainable solutions, that demonstrate an understanding of ESG practices as well as a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Kenya’s advanced use of technologies means that it is in an ideal position to apply creative interventions to global climate issues. We are very confident that the businesses that we shall be incubating shall power the future of business in Kenya and beyond,” said Joyce Kibe, Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Kenya and Africa, Standard Chartered.

The selected startups are:

• Girah Heritage Ltd – A sustainable tourism company providing unique cultural travel experiences for budget travellers.
• MOMA Renewable Energy–  A producer of liquid renewable fuels. Their flagship product is an ethanol-based cooking fuel, derived from food waste and byproducts.
• Voda Water – A for-profit social enterprise headquartered dedicated to improving global health.
• Zidallie – A leading provider of comprehensive transport solutions that ensures safe and efficient transportation for students.
• Investa Farm is revolutionizing agricultural financing through blockchain and AI technologies, connecting farmers with cryptocurrency lenders worldwide.
• Gwiji for Women – A tech social enterprise that empowers marginalized and underprivileged women from slum communities who work as casual cleaners.
• Meira Education Solutions – An EdTech Solutions provider. In addition to
  building a comprehensive school search portal, the startup works with other technology software
  and hardware companies to introduce the right tech tools to learning institutions in
  Kenya.
• Zaoshinani – A Fintech driving agricultural transformation using technology and data to
  steer financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in rural Kenya.
• Kavalian Limited – A Kenyan clean-tech company on a mission to revolutionize waste
  management and empower communities through innovative waste management
  solutions.
• Smart Reja – A data-driven platform that provides tools for retailers to optimize
  inventory, make data-driven decisions, and increase sales.
• AerialGIS – A web application that seamlessly fuses subdivision maps with interactive mapping and VR technology to virtually transport property seekers to the property location on the map. 
• PsychCare Clinic – A level 2 facility offering mental healthcare services and is regulated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board.
• Jido – An on-demand delivery management app designed to simplify package deliveries through goods consolidation and using route optimization technology.
• Africa Stem Girl – Founded in May 2020 at the height of COVID-19 as African Tech Girl to expose individuals aged 7 – 17 to coding skills.
• Hayah Cradle To Bloom – This startup is a data-driven platform that provides tools for retailers to optimize inventory, make data-driven decisions, and increase sales.

The business Standard Chartered Women In Tech incubation training has been modeled around emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data.

The programme further integrates the fundamentals of business idea conceptualization, strategy, formulation, and marketing, which will be key in moving businesses from incubation to sustainable ventures.

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