Five women-led technology and tech-enabled businesses have received a combined US$50,000 (about Shs185 million) in catalytic funding to support the next phase of their growth under the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech (WiT) Programme.
Each of the five startups including AeroCAD Learner, Ingo Female Transporter, MobiKlinic Holdings, Rhizonecare Ventures and Che Innovations Uganda — received US$10,000 (about Shs37 million) after emerging from a competitive pitch process held as part of the graduation of the programme’s second cohort at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The Women in Tech Programme is a three-year initiative funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation and implemented by Innovation Village in partnership with Future Lab, aimed at addressing barriers that limit the growth and scalability of women-led technology and tech-enabled businesses.
The programme seeks to strengthen the pipeline of women-led enterprises by providing entrepreneurs with access to business development support, mentorship, networks and growth capital, while contributing to innovation, job creation and inclusive economic development.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Japheth Kawanguzi, Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Village, said the catalytic funding would enable the five businesses to build on the knowledge, networks and investment-readiness skills acquired during the programme.
“The catalytic fund provides these founders with an opportunity to translate the knowledge, networks and investment-readiness skills gained through the programme into the next phase of their businesses. More importantly, the showcase creates a platform for them to connect with investors, partners and collaborators who can support their continued growth,” Kawanguzi said.
He said the programme had demonstrated the capacity of women entrepreneurs to develop technology-driven solutions to challenges across different sectors, adding that continued support would be critical as the businesses seek to move from early-stage growth to scale.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Jonard Asiimwe, who was the chief guest, commended the programme for contributing to Uganda’s innovation ecosystem and supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.
“As we celebrate this graduating cohort, let us remember that the future of Uganda’s economy will be shaped not only by the investments we make in infrastructure and institutions, but also by the investments we make in people,” he said.
“By empowering women innovators, we are expanding opportunity, creating jobs, strengthening communities, and accelerating Uganda’s journey towards the Tenfold Growth ambition.”
The minister said collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners and universities would be important in creating an enabling environment for innovators and entrepreneurs.
Ms Margaret Kigozi, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, congratulated the graduates and called for greater collaboration to build a stronger pipeline of investable women-led businesses.
“Today, we celebrate more than just the culmination of a six-month journey. We celebrate courage, innovation and the belief that when women lead in technology, they don’t just change their own lives, they transform entire communities, entire economies and our shared future,” Ms Kigozi said.
She urged stakeholders to work together to ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to capital, visibility and long-term ecosystem support.
Mr Sanjay Rughani, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, said the graduation marked the culmination of months of learning, mentorship and business development for the participating entrepreneurs.
“Today, we celebrate not only your completion of this programme but also your commitment to building solutions that address real challenges and create opportunities for others. I congratulate all of you and extend special congratulations to the recipients of the US$10,000 catalytic funding,” Mr Rughani said.
He said the Women in Tech Programme aligns with Uganda’s national development aspirations and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy. “As a bank guided by our purpose to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, we are proud to support initiatives that contribute to inclusive economic growth and unlock opportunities for underserved groups,” Rughani said.
The graduation brings together women-led businesses developing solutions across different sectors, demonstrating the growing role of technology and innovation in addressing social and economic challenges.
The five businesses receiving the catalytic funding will use the investment to support their respective growth and scalability plans, building on the technical, business and investment-readiness support received during the programme.
