In the dynamic world of innovation, entrepreneurs shine as the driving force behind groundbreaking solutions and sustainable change. The recent Sankalp Summit stood as a testament to this spirit of innovation, bringing entrepreneurs into the spotlight, showcasing their groundbreaking ventures, and offering them opportunities for growth and collaboration. With a steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, the Summit featured five key initiatives, highlighting a diverse array of businesses at various growth stages.
Spotlight on Sankalp Awards
The Sankalp Awards have long been recognized as a prestigious celebration of social entrepreneurship, spotlighting businesses that combine resilience, innovation, and success. Remarkably, startups celebrated at these awards have collectively raised over USD $800 million in equity investments, marking a significant impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Agri Business Solutions Ltd (Kenya) – They are driving agricultural innovation and sustainability through tailored solutions and consultancy services.
- Agrosahas International Private Limited (Uganda) – They are revolutionizing agricultural practices and supply chain management through cutting-edge technology solutions.
- HealthX Africa (Kenya) – They are leveraging technology to improve healthcare access and delivery, making quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all.
- Keep IT Cool (Kenya) – They are leading the way in sustainable cooling solutions, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact in refrigeration and air conditioning.
- Kwanza Tukule Foods Limited (Kenya) – They are revolutionizing the food industry with nutritious and sustainable products, promoting healthy eating habits and food security.
- MedTrack Technologies Limited (Ghana) – They are enhancing healthcare delivery through innovative medical tracking and management solutions, ensuring patient safety and efficiency.
- Nazava Water Filters Limited (Kenya) – They are providing clean and safe drinking water to communities in need through affordable and sustainable water filtration technologies.
- Rio Fish Ltd (Kenya) – They are promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and seafood production, ensuring food security and environmental conservation.
- Rouzo (registered as Owoafara Inc) (Nigeria) – They are revolutionizing the fashion industry through ethical and sustainable practices, empowering artisans and promoting cultural heritage.
- Toothpick Company Ltd. (Toothpick Project) (Kenya) – They are tackling oral hygiene challenges through innovative dental care products and awareness campaigns, promoting dental health and wellbeing.
- Tractor On the Go (TOG) Limited (Nigeria) – They are modernizing agriculture through mechanization and farm equipment rental services, empowering smallholder farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Unveiling the Tech Revolution Challenge
This year, the Summit introduced the inaugural “Tech Revolution Challenge,” aiming to bridge critical gaps by connecting promising early-stage tech entrepreneurs with essential support networks. Over four months, we tackled specific challenges, received a flood of applications, and after rigorous selection and a month-long bootcamp, we shortlisted nine finalists. These innovators had the opportunity to present their solutions to a panel of accelerators and grant funders, gaining valuable support to propel their ventures forward.
- Evet Africa (Nigeria) – They are revolutionizing event planning and management through its innovative platform.
- PETHAVEN FOUNDATION (Kenya) – They are dedicated to expanding healthcare access and financial security for low-income communities in Kenya.
- VunaPay (Kenya) – They are transforming the digital payments landscape, facilitating financial inclusion in Kenya.
- Chil Femtech Center (Uganda) – They are pioneering telemedicine solutions for rural clinics, bridging the healthcare gap in Uganda.
- SonoCare (Nigeria) – They are democratizing access to healthcare services through its innovative healthcare platform.
- Parkers Mobile Clinic (Nigeria) – They are bringing healthcare closer to communities through its mobile healthcare units.
- AHEZA IWACU (Burundi) – They are empowering women through sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions.
- Shamba Network (Kenya) – They are leveraging technology to revolutionize agriculture and empower farmers in Kenya.
- Greenera Technologies Ltd (Nigeria) – They are committed to providing sustainable energy solutions for communities in Nigeria.
ASCEND Program: Elevating Early-Stage Enterprises
Understanding the challenges faced by early-stage enterprises in accessing capital, the Summit’s ASCEND Program offered a platform for pre-seed and seed-stage entrepreneurs to pitch to angel investors. This initiative provided critical exposure and feedback, with several entrepreneurs receiving affirmations and potential investment leads.
- NoorNation (Egypt) – They empower communities with clean energy, water access, and sustainable solutions in Egypt.
- MaishaPoa (Kenya) – They are expanding healthcare access and financial security for low-income communities in Kenya through affordable health insurance plans.
- RiviaCo (Ghana/US) – They are building Africa’s network of tech-enabled primary care clinics, improving patient outcomes and clinic revenue in Rwanda.
- DOT Glasses (UK, Subsidiaries in Kenya & Uganda) – They are revolutionizing eye care accessibility across multiple African countries through affordable eyeglasses and eye services.
- BARIDI (Kenya) – They are transforming cold storage solutions for downstream markets in Kenya, reducing spoilage, empowering women, and decreasing carbon emissions.
- Cosma (Uganda) – They are empowering farmers through integrated agricultural services in Uganda, organizing cooperatives and providing bundled agriculture services.
- Eden Care (Rwanda, Kenya) – They are transforming healthcare for Rwandans and beyond by offering group health insurance plans and proactive wellness programs.
- Junky Bins Co. Ltd (Kenya) – They are a waste management company revolutionizing environmental protection and job creation in Kenya through tailored waste solutions and organic waste recycling.
Trailblazers in the Limelight
The Summit also celebrated seven trailblazing entrepreneurs who have made significant industry impacts and are on the path to securing investments over 10 million USD. These enterprises had the chance to engage with bi-lateral and multilateral foundations and will receive dedicated support from the Sankalp team to nurture these relationships.
- ARC Ride – They are revolutionizing urban mobility with its sustainable and efficient electric scooter-sharing platform.
- 4Life Solutions – They are pioneering renewable energy solutions for sustainable living and environmental preservation.
- aBi Finance Limited – They are fostering agricultural development and financial inclusion across Uganda through innovative financing solutions.
- Spouts of Water – They are tackling water scarcity and promoting clean water access in underserved communities through innovative water purification technologies.
- Helium Health – They are revolutionizing healthcare delivery and management systems across Africa through its integrated digital health platform.
- Victory Farms Kenya – They are leading the aquaculture industry in Africa, providing sustainable fish production to meet the region’s growing demand for protein.
- Pezesha – They are empowering individuals and small businesses by providing access to inclusive financial services and credit scoring solutions.
Climate Dealroom: Championing Environmental Innovators
The Climate Dealroom provided a platform for companies making a positive impact on the environment:
- Aquarech (Kenya) – They increase access to high-quality fish feed for farmers and improves market access for fish farmers.
- Winich Farms ( Nigeria) – They connect smallholder farmers directly with buyers, provide training, financing, and technology for increased yields and income, and promote regenerative agriculture.
- FarmWorks Africa – (Kenya) They collaborate with over 5000 farmers, promote regenerative agriculture, and offer stable income to better livelihoods.
- Powerhive (Kenya) – They promote electric transportation, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in African cities.
- Agri-Light Energy Systems (Jerusalem) – They develop Smart Agri-PV solutions to maximize solar energy & agriculture.
- Zembo ( Uganda) – They focus on clean energy solutions.
The Sankalp Summit served as a beacon for entrepreneurs, providing them with the support, resources, and networks needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. As we continue to navigate the challenges of our time, it is the innovative spirit of entrepreneurs like those showcased at the Summit that will lead us toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
