Transform Accelerator has announced Ksh 81 million in grant funding to five Kenyan startups. Transform is an impact accelerator led by Unilever, the British High Commission (BHC) Nairobi and EY.
The five startups that are set to receive the funding are Gwiji which improves livelihoods by digitally connecting cleaners to jobs, Novek which tests refill models for washing powders through its internet-enabled product dispenser technology and Syna Consultancy which has developed a portable toilet for older adults and people with disabilities.
Others are Ecobora which plans to install solar-powered cooking boilers in rural Kenyan schools and the Association of Green Champions (AGC) which intends to improve the livelihoods of sellers and harvesters of gum arabic through training, equipment, financing, and market links to workers in Kenya.
The five finalists, selected from 1,500 applicants to an open call, all set out their ambitions for positive social and environmental impact through their innovative solutions.
Transform Accelerator also supports visionary enterprises to scale their businesses through a combination of business insight, practical experience, resources, and networks. This is the first time that Unilever, the BHC Nairobi, and EY have worked together locally in East Africa to find and select entrepreneurs for the programme.
“These innovative projects represent novel solutions to some of the most critical challenges faced by Kenya and the region. The UK is proud to work with entrepreneurs in the region to support innovative business ideas and create jobs.” Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, said
Hadijah Nannyomo, Partner, Indirect Taxes, EY LLP, said “It is impactful to have Unilever, EY and the British High Commission collaborate to create meaningful and lasting solutions that improve the local economy and the entrepreneurial innovation landscape. At EY, we believe such collaboration to support visionary impact enterprises is key to unlocking progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we look forward to our future shared impact.”
Joseph Sunday, Unilever’s East and West Africa Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, said, “We are committed to unlocking opportunities, enabling small and growing businesses to scale viable solutions, create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and generate environmental and social benefit. We eagerly look forward to supporting more enterprises in the future and being an integral part of this dynamic ecosystem,” he added.