The ICT Authority (ICTA) has today revealed the winners of the Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp Program following a call for applications on 17th July 2023. The program is run through a partnership between the ICT Authority and Strathmore following the signing of an MOU in February 2023.
In February 2023, the Authority entered into a partnership with Strathmore University’s ibizAfrica to support the growth of the innovation ecosystem.
The Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp was mooted to:
i. Support capacity building of startups in the areas of business planning, market entry strategies, financial management and Legal & regulatory framework.
ii. Provide acceleration to startups
iii. Provide technical support to the startups
The Bootcamp will redefine the startup landscape by offering 10 promising Kenyan startups an immersive experience in training, mentorship, and incubation.
The call for innovations was disseminated across platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Innovators responded by submitting a total of 45 thought-provoking ideas through a Google form. Each submission embodied the spirit of innovation that the Huduma WhiteBox programme stands for.
Following the innovative concepts, a shortlisting exercise was conducted. This thorough review process ensured that each solution received the attention it deserved. The depth and quality of each submission showcased the immense potential within Kenya’s technology ecosystem.
On his part, Dr Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica said: “I am delighted to welcome the 10 startups to the Whitebox Strathmore Innovation Program. 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.”
He 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 highlights the importance of academia and business working together to develop the next generation of ICT startups. The Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp aims to provide an incubator for innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth by offering a caring environment that allows businesses to thrive.
Through initiatives like the Huduma WhiteBox programme and the Whitebox Strathmore Bootcamp, the ICT Authority remains steadfast in its mission to drive Kenya’s tech landscape forward. By nurturing the country’s brightest minds and fostering an environment of collaboration, the ICTA ensures that Kenya remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the region.
