In a momentous stride towards bolstering Kenya’s burgeoning tech landscape, the ICT Authority (ICTA) has unveiled the ten winners of the Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp Program. The program, a collaborative effort between the ICT Authority and Strathmore University, materialised following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2023.
The Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp, conceived with a threefold purpose, aims to transform the startup ecosystem in Kenya.
- Firstly, it seeks to provide essential capacity building for startups in critical areas such as business planning, market entry strategies, financial management, and understanding the legal and regulatory framework.
- Secondly, it offers acceleration to these nascent businesses, propelling them toward growth.
- Lastly, it extends technical support to ensure startups thrive in the ever-evolving technology landscape.
This pioneering initiative has garnered considerable attention and participation from tech innovators across Kenya. The call for applications was launched on July 17th, 2023, and swiftly disseminated through popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The response was overwhelming, with 45 innovative ideas pouring in through a Google form. Each submission epitomized the spirit of innovation and technological prowess that the Huduma WhiteBox program strives to promote.
To ensure fairness and meticulous evaluation, a rigorous shortlisting process was undertaken. This methodical approach showcased the depth and quality of each submission, underscoring the immense potential within Kenya’s technology ecosystem.
The ten startups that emerged as the winners of the Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp are:
- Giftpesa
- Residence Smart Address System
- Hela.money
- Fundi Link
- Shop Okoa
- PLAT-DEL
- NeuralSight
- Thorium App
- Hao Finder, and
- Meira.
Each of these startups demonstrates promising innovations in various sectors, including agritech, fintech, and cybersecurity.
Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the ICT Authority, expressed his delight at the successful conclusion of the call for applications, saying, “I am delighted to note that the call for applications has come to a successful end with the naming of the 10 top finalists. The partnership between the ICT Authority will go a long way in building the already robust ICT Innovation in Kenya.”
Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, welcomed the startups into the Whitebox Strathmore Innovation Program, emphasizing their representation of Kenya’s diverse and ingenious innovations across sectors. He stated, “These startups represent the essence of Kenyan innovations in diverse sectors such as agritech, fintech, and cyber-security, which showcases the diversity and ingenuity that our nation is known for.” Dr. Sevilla added, ” @iBizAfrica is excited to provide them with the necessary support, mentorship, and resources to nurture their growth and amplify their impact. The Whitebox Strathmore Innovation Program is not just about individual startups; it’s about fostering an ecosystem of collaboration and inspiration through @iLabAfrica’s and @iBizAfrica’s dynamic approach.”
The strategic partnership between the Huduma WhiteBox program and iBizAfrica at Strathmore University underscores the significance of academia and business working in tandem to foster the next generation of ICT startups. The Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp aims to serve as an incubator for innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth by offering a nurturing environment for businesses to flourish.
Through initiatives like the Huduma WhiteBox program and the Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp, the ICT Authority remains steadfast in its mission to propel Kenya’s tech landscape forward. By nurturing the brightest minds in the country and cultivating a collaborative environment, the ICTA ensures that Kenya continues to be a frontrunner in technological advancement within the region.
