Innovation challenges open to Kenyan businesses
Competitions, prizes and innovation programmes from leading organisations, with prizes, mentorship and funding for the best solutions.
KCIC Climate Innovation Prize 2025
Eligibility: Kenyan-registered business or startup with climate-positive solution
Equity Bank Fintech Challenge
Eligibility: Tech startups and SMEs with a digital financial product at MVP stage or above
Kenya ICT Innovation Fund
Eligibility: Kenyan-owned ICT businesses with a scalable digital product or service
AfDB Youth Agri Challenge
Eligibility: Youth-led (18–35) agri-businesses operating in Kenya with at least 6 months of trading
Application Guidance
What makes a strong submission
- Clearly define the problem your solution addresses
- Quantify your impact with data and evidence
- Show traction, customers, revenue or partnerships
- Demonstrate a viable and scalable business model
- Align your solution to the challenge criteria precisely
Common mistakes to avoid
- Vague impact claims without supporting evidence
- Ignoring the eligibility criteria
- Submitting without proofreading for errors
- Underestimating budget and resource requirements
Need help preparing your submission?
Get advisory supportPast Winners
Kenyan businesses that competed and won.
SolarStitch Ltd
Aisha Mohamed
KCIC Green Business Grant 2024 (2024)
Secured KES 500,000; expanded production to 3 counties
FarmConnect Technologies
David Kariuki
Kenya ICT Innovation Fund 2023 (2023)
Grant funded platform development; now serving 4,200 farmers
CleanWater Solutions
Grace Njeri
AfDB Youth Agri Challenge 2024 (2024)
Won USD 10,000; entered Uganda and Tanzania markets