Applications are now open for Cohort 9 of the Women in Tech Accelerator Kenya, an exciting programme designed to help women-led, tech-enabled startups grow, scale, and create lasting impact across Kenya.

Funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation and implemented by Village Capital in partnership with the @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre at Strathmore University, the accelerator provides ambitious women entrepreneurs with world-class business support, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to catalytic funding.

The programme is committed to strengthening Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by helping women founders build resilient businesses, create employment opportunities, and drive technology-driven innovation.

Applications Are Now Open

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for Women in Tech Accelerator Kenya – Cohort 9 and take advantage of a comprehensive startup support programme designed to accelerate business growth.

About the Women in Tech Accelerator Kenya

The Women in Tech Accelerator is a flagship entrepreneurship programme that empowers women founders by providing the resources, knowledge, and networks needed to scale successful businesses.

Recognizing the growing role of women entrepreneurs in Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, the accelerator supports founders who are building technology-enabled solutions that address real-world challenges while generating economic and social impact.

Through a structured incubation journey, participants receive practical support tailored to the specific needs of their businesses.

Programme Objectives

The accelerator seeks to:

• Support women-led technology ventures.
• Strengthen startup growth and sustainability.
• Equip founders with practical business skills.
• Expand access to mentorship and coaching.
• Increase access to investment opportunities.
• Foster innovation across Kenya.
• Promote job creation through entrepreneurship.
• Build a stronger ecosystem for women founders.

What Participants Will Receive

Selected startups will benefit from a range of growth-focused opportunities designed to help them scale their businesses.

1. Immersive Business Learning

Entrepreneurs will undergo a comprehensive assessment of their businesses to identify strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

This evaluation helps shape a customized learning experience tailored to each venture’s unique stage of growth.

The programme delivers practical business training covering key aspects of startup development, enabling participants to strengthen their operations and prepare for scaling.

2. Expert Mentorship and Coaching

Participants will receive personalized guidance from experienced mentors and in-house coaches throughout the incubation programme.

Mentorship sessions are customized to address each company’s specific challenges and growth objectives.

Founders will benefit from expert advice on topics such as:

• Business strategy
• Leadership
• Product development
• Customer acquisition
• Market expansion
• Financial management
• Investment readiness
• Operational growth

3. Access to Seed Funding

One of the programme’s biggest highlights is the opportunity to secure funding.

The top seven startups selected during the accelerator will each have the opportunity to receive US$10,000 in seed funding to support business expansion and scaling.

The funding is intended to help founders accelerate growth, strengthen operations, and increase their impact.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is ideal for:

• Women founders.
• Women-led startups.
• Technology-enabled businesses.
• Innovative startups seeking growth support.
• Entrepreneurs looking for mentorship and investment readiness.
• Businesses with scalable solutions addressing market needs.

Whether your startup is focused on healthcare, education, agriculture, financial services, logistics, artificial intelligence, climate innovation, or other technology-driven sectors, the accelerator provides valuable resources to support your growth journey.

Programme Partners

The Women in Tech Accelerator Kenya is made possible through collaboration between leading organizations committed to entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment.

Standard Chartered Foundation

The programme is funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation, which supports initiatives that promote inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable economic opportunities.

Village Capital

Village Capital is a global organization dedicated to supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs through investment readiness programmes, accelerator initiatives, and ecosystem development.

@iBizAfrica Incubation Centre

The accelerator is implemented alongside the @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre at Strathmore University, one of Kenya’s leading innovation and entrepreneurship hubs.

Why Join the Accelerator?

Participating startups will gain much more than funding.

Benefits include:

• Tailored business training.
• Personalized mentorship.
• Professional coaching.
• Business diagnostics.
• Peer learning opportunities.
• Networking with industry experts.
• Increased investment readiness.
• Opportunity to access seed funding.
• Enhanced business resilience.
• Greater visibility within Kenya’s startup ecosystem.

Building Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem

The Women in Tech Accelerator continues to support women entrepreneurs who are transforming industries through innovation.

Previous cohorts have showcased inspiring businesses addressing challenges in sectors such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Maternal Health
• Transportation
• Digital Services
• Education Technology
• Financial Technology

The programme has become an important platform for helping women-led startups grow while contributing to Kenya’s economic development and job creation.

Apply Here

Why You Should Apply

If you are leading a tech-enabled startup and are ready to take your business to the next level, the Women in Tech Accelerator Kenya offers an exceptional opportunity to access world-class training, experienced mentors, valuable business networks, and potential seed funding.

With personalized support and exposure to leading entrepreneurship experts, participants will be better equipped to build sustainable businesses capable of creating meaningful social and economic impact across Kenya.

Apply for Cohort 9 and join a growing community of women innovators shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Africa.

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