The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) Cleantech Innovation Competition 2026 for Kenyan University Students. – Opportunities For Africans

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Application Deadline: 10th August, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) Cleantech Innovation Competition. The Cleantech Innovation Competition is a joint initiative by the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), the Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya, SICPA, and Strathmore University. It seeks to support early-stage businesses in the cleantech sector that focus on providing solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

 The competition will address key challenges that hinder cleantech technologies and related innovative business ideas from tapping into the immense potential in the cleantech sector.

Eligibility

1. The applicant must be a university student in Kenya.
2. The application must be in the ideation stage
3. The application must clearly demonstrate how it addresses an environmental problem

Requirements

The following criteria and scoring system will be used for evaluation of the eligible applications for this call.

1. Scalability – does the innovation show clear and compelling mission to grow a sustainable and commercially viable business
2. Climate Impact – The extent to which the proposed business/product/technology has an impact on climate mitigation OR climate adaptation OR environmental benefits.
3. Job Creation – The potential of the proposed business/product/technology towards job creation.
4. Progress to date – has the applicant taken key steps to move the idea forward?
5. Innovation – is the business innovative in the way it addresses an identified problem in the market / has a unique business model?

Benefits

Accelerator Support

Business development and growth assistance

Funding Access

Connect with investors and financing options

Skills Training

Capacity building and mentorship

Network Access

Connect with industry partners and peers

Application Procedure

1. All Applications must be submitted online through the Kenya Climate Innovation Center website Application portal II. The Applicants must complete an application form by answering a series of mandatory questions III. Personal information supplied in the application form such as names, addresses and date of birth should be verifiable, and the applicant is solely responsible for informing KCIC of changes in current contact methods indicated in their application. IV. The Applicant must provide current correspondence address, email and telephone numbers and inform of any changes during the review and onboarding process.
2. Upon submission of the application form, an email will be sent to the Applicant or via the preferred contact method indicated in their application. VI. Once submitted, applications cannot be altered or amended. VII. Review of applications will commence immediately after client applications have been received in our system. Shortlisting of applicants will take place following the close of the Application Window.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) Cleantech Innovation Competition