Women in TECH Accelerator Cohort 8 Recieves KES 9.1M Funding

Standard Chartered Kenya, in partnership with @iBizAfrica Incubation Center at Strathmore University, has unveiled Cohort 8 of the Women in Tech Accelerator Programme, awarding KES 9.1 million in seed funding to seven women-led ventures. Each of the innovators received KES 1.3 million alongside access to tools, training, and networks designed to strengthen their capacity to scale sustainable, technology-driven businesses.

The eighth cohort attracted 84 applications from women-led enterprises across the country, with fifteen startups selected to undergo a rigorous 12-week accelerator programme. The curriculum focused on sustainability, ESG integration, financial and business modelling, and product development, ensuring that participants gained the skills and structure needed to refine their solutions. Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director at @iLabAfrica and iBizAfrica, noted that these founders are reshaping industries and transforming communities, aligning with Strathmore University’s mission to develop leaders who drive societal change.

The seven winning startups represent Kenya’s most dynamic and high-impact sectors, including healthcare, sustainability, textiles, environmental innovation, and community care. The ventures include Etiba Home Care East Africa, UzimaNexus, POLLEN PATROLLERS, Tuwe Bora Limited, BUSU SKINCARE LIMITED, Timao Group, and AshaCare. Their solutions tackle critical challenges such as access to personalised healthcare, transparency in medical systems, sustainable textile production, bee health monitoring, natural skincare, plastic waste conversion, and community health delivery.

Since its inception in 2017, the Women in Tech Accelerator has received over 1,621 applications and supported 93 ventures across eight cohorts. A total of 46 businesses have received KES 50.6 million in funding, complemented by strategic non-financial support including mentorship, business advisory, coaching, networking, and investor readiness opportunities. This long-term investment has translated into measurable growth, with alumni creating an average of three jobs per business and contributing significantly to Kenya’s economic landscape. A standout example is BENA CARE LTD, which has grown to generate over KES 2.47 billion in annual revenue.

Standard Chartered Kenya Board Director Nivi Sharma emphasized that every graduate from this cohort symbolizes resilience, innovation, and the power of possibility. Her remarks highlighted the bank’s continued commitment to intentional investment in women entrepreneurs, recognising their role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for Kenya.