Call for Applications: Energy Accelerator Programme (Africa)

Do you have an impact driven, financially sound and scalable solution with clear growth strategy to solve Africa’s energy challenges?

Under the flagship of the Timbuktoo Greentech hub, the Energy Accelerator Programme has launched the call for applications and will focus on renewable energy technologies that can provide sustainable, accessible and decentralized solutions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving energy security for communities across Africa.

Aims

The programme aims to foster startups developing groundbreaking solutions in renewable energy generation, storage, access, energy efficiency tailored to African needs to address Africa’s pressing challenges and build a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Focus Areas

• Growth stage Startups with an emphasis in the following areas are strongly encouraged:
  • Energy Access Technology: Innovations that expand access to reliable and affordable energy.
  • Digitalisation: Leveraging digital technologies, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize energy production, distribution, and consumption.
  • Low Carbon & Capture Technology: Innovations that reduce carbon emissions and enhance carbon capture.
  • Innovative Business Models: New business approaches that drive the adoption of clean energy solutions.
  • Smart Grid: Solutions that enhance grid management, stability, and integration of renewable energy sources.
  • Energy Storage: Technologies that improve the storage and distribution of energy, particularly from intermittent renewable sources.
  • Clean/Renewable Energy: Advancements in the generation of clean and renewable energy.
  • Sustainable Mobility: Innovations in transportation that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
  • Energy Management: Tools and systems that enhance the management of energy resources, improving efficiency and sustainability.
• Your startup should demonstrate a clear and sustainable growth strategies, showcasing a path to long-term financial viability.

Benefits

• Membership in the inaugural cohort of timbuktoo GreenTech Hub and entire timbuktoo ecosystem across Africa.
• Mentorship from industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs.
• Access to technical experts and mentors for product development support.
• Access to regulatory sandbox to prototype and commercialize solutions within Kenya’s vibrant smart city.
• Access to blended financing options for enterprise growth and scale.
• Networking with potential partners, collaborators, and customers.
• Access to investor networks.
• Resources and support to accelerate growth and impact.
• Access to networks and agencies within the larger UN system.
• Access to networks and resources within the AfCTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) system.
• Impact and shape a pan-African Greentech evolution.
• Access to equity-free funding to support the startups’ growth.

Key Criteria 

• The Timbuktoo Greentech hub aims to support innovative growth stage enterprises that meet the following key criteria:
  • Technology-Enabled Solution: Your startup must have a technology-enabled solution at its core, utilising digital tools and platforms to drive innovation and efficiency in the financial sector.
  • Contribution Towards the SDGs: Your solution should align with and contribute towards one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and more.
  • High Scalability: Your startup should demonstrate high scalability either through digital distribution channels or the ability to scale sales rapidly across markets.
  • Defensible Position: Your startup should have a defensible position, whether through Intellectual Property (IP) rights, network effects, domain expertise, or regional market dominance, ensuring sustainable competitive advantage in the Greentech landscape.
  • Innovation and uniqueness: Novel approach to solving energy challenges, potential for disruptive impact in the renewable energy sector.
  • Technical feasibility: Sound scientific/technical basis for the solution, realistic development timeline.

Eligibility Criteria

• Groundbreaking founders and innovators across Africa who are already building startups that meet the following criteria:
  • Startups with founders who are nationals of an African Country.
  • Startups must be legally registered and operating within Africa.
  • Startups must have been in operation for a minimum of three years.
  • Startups must address development challenges.
  • Must be a technology-enabled solution.
  • Startups must have a Minimum Viable Solution (MVS) (regulated and licensed if necessary).
  • Startups should have existing corporate governance systems and accountability.
  • This application is limited to citizens of the African Union Member States.

For more information, visit UNDP Kenya.