Kenya’s startup ecosystem continues to advance as the Standard Chartered Women in Technology Kenya program announces the top seven startups of its eighth cohort. The initiative places women innovators at the center of economic and social progress by giving them seed funding, mentorship and a clear path to scale. This year’s finalists reflect how targeted investment in women-led technology can strengthen healthcare access, support farmers, improve childcare solutions and promote sustainable industries. Their selection marks another step toward building inclusive innovation that responds to real needs across Kenyan communities.
Driving Real Impact Through Technology
The Women in Technology Kenya program continues to focus on supporting women founders who are building solutions that respond to everyday challenges. The seven selected startups from Cohort 8 represent practical innovation with the power to improve lives.
AshaCare Medical Solutions Limited is strengthening chronic care management by offering easy-to-use digital tools that connect patients and clinicians. The goal is to help families manage long-term health conditions with better tracking and faster support.
Pollen Smart Hive Limited is giving smallholder farmers a boost through smart hive technology that helps increase honey production. With rising demand for quality honey, this solution can support rural incomes and improve agricultural productivity.
UzimaNexus Limited is improving maternal and newborn health through AI-enabled support. Their tools offer guidance to communities that have limited access to healthcare, helping reduce risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
Tuwe Bora Limited is responding to the challenge many caregivers and parents face. Their tech-enabled system makes it easier to find safe early childhood care through a vetted matching platform.
Etiba Home Care East Africa Ltd is digitising medical payments so families can get timely and affordable healthcare. By simplifying the payment process, the company is helping reduce delays in critical care.
Timao Group Limited is tackling environmental and construction challenges by turning agricultural waste into strong green construction materials. Their innovation supports sustainability and gives farmers a new income path.
Busu Natural Skincare Limited is creating natural, science-backed skincare made from locally sourced ingredients. This supports local supply chains while offering safe products for everyday consumers.
Together, these startups show how innovation can solve real problems when investment is directed toward leaders who understand the needs of their communities.
A Program Designed to Build Strong Founders
The Standard Chartered Women in Technology Kenya program stands as Africa’s leading accelerator for women in tech. The initiative reflects a wider call for more representation in the technology sector and more opportunities for women to grow as founders and leaders.
The program is delivered in partnership with Village Capital and Strathmore University. It combines global expertise with local experience to build one of the strongest startup accelerators on the continent. The approach is practical, supportive and designed to meet founders where they are.
The benefits of the program include twelve weeks of immersive learning, which exposes founders to core business skills. Participants also gain access to experienced coaches and B2B networking opportunities that help strengthen their business models. Personalized mentorship sessions ensure each founder receives guidance matched to her unique needs.
Another key feature is the opportunity to join the Women in Tech Alumni Network. This community offers continued peer support and access to industry connections long after the cohort ends.
The top seven finalists receive 10,000 dollars in equity-free seed funding. They also benefit from six months of ongoing support from Village Capital and iBizAfrica to help them prepare for market expansion and steady growth. This continued support helps ensure that startups do not just launch strong but remain sustainable in the long term.
By investing in women founders and giving them a platform to grow, the program continues to shape the future of inclusive innovation in Kenya. Each founder in Cohort 8 is working toward solutions that create better health systems, stronger families, sustainable practices and improved economic opportunities.
