Mozilla, in partnership with the Gladys Boss Foundation (GBF), has launched the Mozilla Mashinani tech-innovation challenge, awarding Sh1 million to seven Uasin Gishu tech start-ups. The initiative aims to democratize Kenya’s technology and innovation ecosystem and level the playing field for startups, particularly for youth outside metropolitan cities. Here are some of the key points about the initiative and the start-ups that received funding.
The Seven Tech Start-Ups That Received Funding
- Tindo
- My Shule
- Mche
- Mama Fua
- Lifeline
- M-Rafiki
- Gavo Foods
About the Start-Ups
Tindo
Tindo is a video-on-demand platform for filmmakers. It offers a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and reach a wider audience.
My Shule
My Shule is an app that monitors school buses. Parents can track their children’s school bus and receive notifications about their arrival and departure.
Mche
Mche offers a comprehensive solution to smallholder farmers. It provides farmers with access to information on weather patterns, pests, and diseases, as well as information on the best farming practices.
Mama Fua
Mama Fua is a mobile application that links households to trained and vetted housekeepers. It offers a platform for households to find reliable and trustworthy housekeepers.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides quick access to critical medical information during emergencies. It offers a platform for users to access medical information, such as emergency contacts and medical conditions, at the touch of a button.
M-Rafiki
M-Rafiki is a platform for people to connect and interact while also being able to access services and businesses that they may need. It offers a platform for users to connect with each other and find services and businesses that meet their needs.
Gavo Foods
Gavo Foods manufactures gluten-free, keto-organic flour. It offers a range of flours that cater to individuals with specific dietary needs.
About the Mozilla Mashinani Tech-Innovation Challenge
The Mozilla Mashinani tech-innovation challenge is a partnership between Mozilla and the Gladys Boss Foundation (GBF). The initiative aims to democratize Kenya’s technology and innovation ecosystem and level the playing field for startups, particularly for youth outside metropolitan cities.
The First-of-its-Kind Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge
The Mozilla Mashinani Initiative will culminate in the first-of-its-kind Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge, which will be held in Nairobi in June 2023. The innovation challenge will identify and support tech entrepreneurs, startups, and tech students through an acceleration programme that will provide technical support, access to grants, and ultimately, market access for their products.
The Impact of the Mozilla Mashinani Initiative
The Mozilla Mashinani Initiative aims to democratize Kenya’s technology and innovation ecosystem and level the playing field for startups, particularly for youth outside metropolitan cities. This will ensure that youth innovators across Kenya also have access to the information and knowledge needed to establish and run profitable startups. The initiative is anchored on the Mozilla Africa Mradi, which seeks to catalyze innovation through developing new and deeper relationships with in-region partners to learn more about the intersection of African product needs and capacity gaps.
Kenya is the regional ICT hub of East Africa, with the country being a leader in broadband connectivity and general ICT infrastructure and home to more than 300 tech start-ups. With the rise of digital technology and the internet, many entrepreneurs have leveraged investment opportunities from venture capital institutions that have set up shop in Nairobi.
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