In a remarkable celebration of innovation and empowerment, seven startups led by Kenyan women have been awarded a total of USD 70,000 through the prestigious Women in Tech Incubation Program, a collaborative effort by Standard Chartered Bank and Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica. This year’s theme, “Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future,” has resonated widely, spotlighting technology-driven enterprises that prioritize the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.
The cohort of startups spans various sectors, from agri-tech to health-tech, and is united by a commitment to sustainability. For instance, MOMA Renewable Energy is transforming access to affordable and environmentally friendly energy by converting food waste into clean ethanol-based cooking fuel. Meanwhile, Hayah Cradle to Bloom leverages artificial intelligence to improve maternal and infant healthcare, contributing to healthier futures for many families.
Throughout the 12-week incubation program, they refined their skills in business modeling, ESG integration, and product development, equipping themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to turn their innovative ideas into impactful, market-ready solutions.
Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University said, “The Women in Tech Program is not just a beacon of hope. It’s a catalyst for change. We are empowering women to reshape our world, with technology as the driving force. Strathmore University provides capacity building, while Standard Chartered offers seed funding. Together, we’re not just supporting startups, we’re shaping the future of sustainable development.”
Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered said, “We do this because of the impact we can make. Through initiatives like the Women in Tech Program, we are not just supporting businesses, we are enabling real, sustainable change that benefits communities, the environment, and the economy. Technology is the vehicle to take our innovators to the next level. We want entrepreneurs to not only innovate but also monetize their ventures, ensuring that technology and sustainability continue to drive growth for years to come.”
Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs at Standard Chartered said, “We’ve received over 2,000 applications since we began, and today, 32 startups have successfully scaled their ventures. This proves that when women are empowered, society wins.”
This seventh cohort exemplifies the impact of empowering women by providing them with a platform to inspire future generations. The selection process was highly competitive, involving industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and academic leaders. From over 130 applications, the top seven startups were chosen for their technological innovation, commitment to ESG principles, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.