Women entrepreneurs are relentlessly contributing to the growth of the digital economy in Africa. It is not surprising that a number of initiatives are being put in place to tap into the unlimited potentials that women-owned businesses present.
One of such initiatives is the Women in Technology program by Standard Chartered in conjunction with @iBizAfrica Center, Strathmore University. The Women in Technology program serves as a platform where women-owned tech-driven SMEs can pitch their ideas.
About the program
The Women in Technology Incubator Kenya is Africa’s leading incubator program set up by Standard Chartered for female-led businesses.
The initiative aims to promote more diversity in technology, entrepreneurship, and more opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial and leadership excellence.
The incubation program, which is set to hold for 12 weeks, will provide participants with rigorous learning opportunities, networking, funding as well as the needed skills to grow sustainable businesses, tackling Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Aptly named, this year’s theme is ‘Accelerating the Digital Economy through Women-Owned Businesses’
Benefits of participation
- 12 weeks of a rigorous learning exercise;
- Access to top coaching experts;
- Opportunity to engage in B2B networking;
- Tailored mentorship sessions to address participants’ unique business needs;
- Access to join a supportive Women in Tech Alumni Network;
- Five outstanding finalists will be awarded KES 1,000,000 equity-free grant seed funding;
- 9 months of continuous support from Standard Chartered and @iBizAfrica to ensure market growth and scale for the five finalists;
- If you’re interested in this opportunity, what will be required of you? Consider the following criteria.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the Women in Technology incubator program, your business must
- Be based in Kenya and able to meet the needs of Kenyans or those operating in Kenya.
- Have a good grasp on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality, big data, biometrics, blockchain, drone technology, cloud computing, 3D and 4D printing, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Be founded or co-founded by a Kenyan woman not less than 18 years of age with an equal or majority stake.
- Not be more than twenty-one months old
Possess proof of concept, customer, product, business model support, and evidence of pre-revenue. - Post revenue is beneficial if the business has created a new business model.
- Your business models must indicate a focus on sustainability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Deadline
Apply here if you’re interested. Note that the application for the Women in Technology program closes on Sunday, January 10, 2021.
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