Now open: Challenger Digital and Green innovation Acceleration

Applications are now open for the 2025 Challenger Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme, an initiative designed to empower visionary entrepreneurs who are harnessing technology to improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect the planet. If you’re building a startup that turns global challenges into opportunities for sustainable progress, this programme offers the tools, mentorship, and funding you need to grow.

Developing a young business can be daunting — access to finance, quality mentorship, and meaningful partnerships is often limited. The Challenger Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme aims to bridge these gaps by supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda who are creating digital solutions that promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:

• Be registered and operational in Kenya, Ethiopia, or Uganda.
• Develop digital solutions that contribute to sustainability, climate adaptation, or circular economy innovation.
• Be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or early-revenue stage.
• Have at least two active co-founders leading the venture.
• Demonstrate market traction and a strong potential for growth.
• Be inclusive, with preference given to youth-led and women-led enterprises.

Areas of Innovation
The programme welcomes ventures using technology to solve pressing challenges in:

• Climate-smart agriculture and food systems
• Renewable energy and clean technologies
• Circular economy and waste management
• Water resource management and conservation
• Green mobility and sustainable logistics
• Digital financial inclusion and green finance
• Environmental data management and civic engagement

Programme Benefits
Selected participants will gain access to a comprehensive support package that accelerates growth and investment readiness:

• Business Acceleration: Tailored support to refine business models, strengthen operations, and scale sustainably.
• Expert Mentorship: Guidance from seasoned industry leaders, sustainability experts, and successful entrepreneurs.
• Investor Readiness: Training and direct connections with investors and corporate partners seeking impactful ventures.
• Market Access and Visibility: Opportunities to showcase solutions at regional and international events.
• Seed Funding and Exposure: Access to funding opportunities and international visibility for top-performing startups.

By joining the programme, founders will:

• Strengthen their investment readiness and strategic positioning.
• Expand their networks through access to global and regional mentors.
• Gain exposure to investors, partners, and potential customers.
• Join a dynamic community of African innovators driving the green and digital transformation.

Programme Timeline

• Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
• Programme Start Date: Early December 2025
• Duration: 7–9 months
• Special Opportunity: The top three startups will pitch their solutions at Latitude59 Kenya and Latitude59 Estonia, with the potential to secure seed funding and international partnerships.

Application Deadline: November 10, 2025

For additional details, visit the Official Webpage of the Challenger Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme.