President William Ruto has awarded top three startup companies whose innovations were voted as the best in the Presidential Innovation Awards (PIA).
In the event held at State House on Tuesday, March 19, BioAfriq Energy were declared PIA winners and was awarded Ksh5 million.
The Makueni-based startup submitted an innovative technology addressing food security challenges by efficiently dehydrating farm products thereby overcoming the limitations of solar driers.
Signvrse from Kajiado were the first runners up in the innovation challenge and were awarded Ksh3 million.
Signvrse is an assistive technology start up utilizing Artificial intelligence (AI) computer version and automated 3D technology to interpret text and speech creating lifelike sign language aviators with real time precision.
Afritech analytics from Kiambu county won Ksh2 million after emerging as the third best start-up in the challenge.
Besides, there are other 30 county winners who were awarded Ksh500,000 each.
Youth are drivers of innovation – Ruto
Ruto urged the Kenya National Innovation Agency to support the startups and ensure they graduate to enterprises and businesses that will create jobs and wealth in Kenya.
The president expressed his satisfaction about the discussion around young people and driving innovations in the country.
He directed the Innovation Agency to work with Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba in supporting the youth through innovations.
“I am going to be able to support and advise whenever there is necessity to do that. I extend my sincere appreciation to the innovators, the ministry, and our partners for their support for PIA,” he said.
Ruto said he hopes more Kenyans will benefit from PIA by accessing opportunities for mentorship, technical and financial support.
PIA Timeline
According to the PIA timeline, 284 startups applied during the online submissions between August and November 2023.
Out of this, 219 start-up companies were shortlisted, and the judgement done in November 2023.
The final pitching was fine at Kenya Innovation Week and celebrations during the Jamhuri Day 2023.
Startup Status and Scaling
PIA targets 500 winners in by the time the country will be celebrating the innovation week in November 2024.
The Award targets 1000 startups in 2025, 2000 in 2026 and 5000 startups by the year 2027.
It aims at creating 155,000 direct jobs and another 232,500 indirect jobs by 2027.
Also Read: Nairobi-Based Startup Secures Ksh765M Funding
Startup Bill
The Innovation Award also aims at contributing to the startup bill progress.
Its goals are to attract private sector investment and incentives for founders and startups.
It will enhance the access to funding and global competitiveness.
Kenya was ranked 86th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) in 2020 and 85th in 2021.
The country was ranked 88th and 100th in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Also Read: 5 Kenyan Startups Handpicked in Ksh150 Million Competition
About PIA
PIA is a module of the Talanta Hela programme run by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Arts and Sports.
It intends to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of innovators across the country.
PIA will recognize and award the innovative work of top innovators in the country within the national priority areas.
This will encourage and support young people who are using their innovativeness, creativity, and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on society while becoming economically active.
