In a remarkable celebration of innovation and empowerment, seven Kenyan women-led startups have been awarded USD 70,000 through the prestigious Women in Tech Incubation Program, a collaboration between Standard Chartered Bank and Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica.
This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future,’ has resonated across industries, highlighting technology-driven enterprises that embody the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.
From agri-tech to health-tech, the startups in this year’s cohort are united by a shared commitment to sustainability, leveraging cutting-edge technology to tackle critical socio-economic challenges.
MOMA Renewable Energy, for example, is revolutionizing access to affordable and eco-friendly energy by turning food waste into clean ethanol-based cooking fuel. Another standout, Hayah Cradle to Bloom, uses artificial intelligence to enhance maternal and infant healthcare, paving the way for healthier futures for countless families.
Despite the challenges of scaling businesses in a male-dominated industry, these women entrepreneurs have overcome the odds. Through the 12-week incubation program, they honed their expertise in business modeling, ESG integration, and product development, gaining the tools needed to transform their innovative ideas into impactful, market-ready solutions.
Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University, captured the essence of the program. “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.”
He also emphasized the power of partnership in fostering this initiative. “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,” said Dr. Ogutu.
Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the bank’s long-standing collaboration with Strathmore University. “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,” said the managing Director.
Ngari further stressed the crucial role of technology in scaling ventures and driving global economic transformation. “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.”
This seventh cohort is a testament to the power of giving women a platform to rise and inspire future generations. The selection process, which involved industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and academic leaders, was competitive, with the top seven startups chosen from over 130 applicants for their technological innovation, commitment to ESG principles, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs at Standard Chartered, reflected on the program’s impact: “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.”
The seven winning startups, each receiving KES 1.25 million, include:
- MOMA Renewable Energy – Transforming food waste into clean ethanol-based cooking fuel, addressing environmental and health challenges.
- Hayah Cradle to Bloom – Using AI to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Zidallie – Simplifying student transportation with tech-driven solutions.
- Gwiji for Women – Empowering underprivileged women through tech-enabled cleaning services.
- Zaoshinani – Driving financial inclusion in agriculture through fintech.
- AerialGIS – Merging mapping and VR technology to assist property seekers.
- PsychCare Clinic – Making mental healthcare accessible through digital platforms.
As the event concluded, the excitement was palpable. “The road ahead is not for the faint-hearted,” said Jael Walukwe, Co-Founder of Hayah Cradle to Bloom. “But we are ready. We will use technology to scale our businesses and create a sustainable future.”
With continued support from Strathmore University and Standard Chartered, these women are poised to make a lasting impact on Kenya’s economy and beyond. As Dr. Ogutu summed up; “Because we care, we are investing in women and impacting society through technology as a catalyst for empowerment.”
