Startup|Energy News

Three Fellows from Startup|Energy present their business ideas in Freiburg (Germany)

Three startups from Kenya and Rwanda, who took part in the Startup|Energy Energy Camp in October 2024, presented their business models to a wide audience at a startup BBQ at the University of Freiburg i.Br:

  • Temitope Oguntade – Founder of Chanels Innovations (Rwanda): Chanels is transforming energy management in sub-Saharan Africa by developing AI-enabled, multi-channel smart energy metering systems tailored to micro-utilities.
  • Moses Nyakoyo – Founder of Kijani Testing (Kenya): Kijani Testing is the first and only laboratory in sub-Saharan Africa for certified product testing as well as field and market testing for manufacturers.
  • Torooti Mwirigi – Founder of SunWater (Kenya): SunWater installs solar-powered water vending machines in underserved communities to provide reliable access to clean, affordable drinking water.

The African guests also had the opportunity for a lively exchange with Freiburg energy startups. They were accompanied by Gathu Kirubi, business coach from Startup|Energy (centre).

Three startups from Kenya and Rwanda, who took part in the Startup|Energy Energy Camp in October 2024, presented their business models to a wide audience at a startup BBQ at the University of Freiburg i.Br.

Demo-Day: Nigerian energy startups present their innovative business models

From 17 to 19 March 2025, seven energy startups from Nigeria met for the 5th Energy Camp in Lagos. They were selected from a total of almost 50 applications.

Find out more about the founders and their visionary solutions. Take the opportunity to gain insights into current trends and challenges in the industry and learn how these startups are driving positive change with their business models.

Date: Monday, 28 April 2025 / Time: 2-4pm GMT / online

Register now for free

Here are the seven startups:

  • Cabax Farms
    Cabax Farms is a sustainable agribusiness focused on producing high-quality palm oil, biofuel, and crop production while addressing environmental and social challenges. Our business leverages innovative technology and eco-friendly practices to optimize productivity, minimize waste, and empower smallholder farmers.
  • D-Olivette Solutions
    D-Olivette is revolutionizing waste-to-energy solutions with its AI and IoT-enabled biodigester technology, transforming diverse organic waste into clean energy and valuable agricultural inputs. Its flagship product, The Kitchen Box, is a household biodigester featuring an AI-powered, multilingual chatbot that provides seamless support in English and local African languages.
  • Manamuz Electric
    We build, deploy, manage, and scale affordable, Renewable Energy Powered, and energy-efficient Cold storage solutions for african food producers. We create a steady demand for cold storage by small farms and businesses by providing access to markets for local producers, helping them improve productivity, and ensuring traceability to meet market requirements.
  • Moon Innovations
    Solar Smart Inverter System is a single box solar solution providing homes and businesses ith solar electricity, wifi internet access and AI-enabled security surveillance with a mobile applications to remotely monitor and control this system from anywhere.
  • Power Ring
    Power Ring (by Greenage Technologies) is a revolutionary platform that empowers users to design their customized energy solutions, select theirpreferred installers, and finance their solar installations withmanageable terms. Our technology-centric approachsimplifies the process, making sustainable energy solutionsmore accessible and user-friendly.Greenage Technologies.
  • So-Cool
    So-Cool is a movable, recyclable solar kiosk that provides access to affordable electricity and cooling for Micro,Small and Meduim Enterprise (MSMEs). So-Cool is designed with the latest design thinking incorporating a steel endo-skeleton for a rigit structure. Each So-Cool unit comes with state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic systems with inbuild monitoring and control.
  • Solarcool Smart Hub
    Solarcool offers an end-to-end cold off-grid chain infrastructure for Households, SMEs,industries, and food-producing communities in regions without access to electricity using adecentralised business model, where users gain access to reliable cooling as a service.

Date: Monday, 28 April 2025 / Time: 2-4pm GMT / online

Register now for free

 

Startup|Energy is an initiative of the Stiftung Solarenergie and the University of Freiburg to promote startups in the field of decentralised energy technology in Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. Our activities are supported by GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in renewable energy, co-funded by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see seven Nigerian energy startups present their innovations and solutions for the energy market in sub-Saharan Africa! These dynamic companies are bringing fresh approaches to decentralised energy supply with their products and business ideas.

5th Energy Camp of Startup|Energy with African energy startups

From 17 to 19 March, seven energy startups from Nigeria met for the 4th Energy Camp in Lagos. They were selected from a total of almost 50 applications.

Startup|Energy supports young African energy startups, increases their visibility and promotes job creation and innovation in an energy market largely dominated by non-African companies.

An essential part of the work are the Energy Camps, which take place twice a year and last several days. The focus here is not on curriculum-orientated training, but on very specific and individual support in the development of a startup’s business idea. This concept is unique and clearly stands out from other accelerators.

The participants appreciate the approach of the Energy Camps. One participant formulated it this way: “The Energy Camp is one oft he best bootcamp I have ever come across, and it should be supported to reach more energy businesses, to create more sustainable solutions and impacts.”

These are the startups of the Energy Camp in Nairobi and their Innovations in alphabetic order:

  • Adeyemi, Tunde (D-Olivette Solutions)
    D-Olivette is revolutionizing waste-to-energy solutions with its AI and IoT-enabled biodigester technology, transforming diverse organic waste into clean energy and valuable agricultural inputs. Its flagship product, The Kitchen Box, is a household biodigester featuring an AI-powered, multilingual chatbot that provides seamless support in English and local African languages.
  • Adio, Babatunde Abiodun (Cabax Farms)
    Cabax Farms is a sustainable agribusiness focused on producing high-quality palm oil, biofuel, and crop production while addressing environmental and social challenges. Our business leverages innovative technology and eco-friendly practices to optimize productivity, minimize waste, and empower smallholder farmers.
  • Edeh, Christopher Nwatu (Solarcool Smart Hub)
    Solarcool offers an end-to-end cold off-grid chain infrastructure for Households, SMEs,industries, and food-producing communities in regions without access to electricity using adecentralised business model, where users gain access to reliable cooling as a service.
  • Esumeh, Aaron (Power Ring)
    Power Ring is a revolutionary platform that empowers usersto design their customized energy solutions, select theirpreferred installers, and finance their solar installations withmanageable terms. Our technology-centric approachsimplifies the process, making sustainable energy solutionsmore accessible and user-friendly.Greenage Technologies.
  • Etoh, Blessing Oghenetega (So-Cool)
    So-Cool is a movable, recyclable solar kiosk that provides access to affordable electricity and cooling for Micro,Small and Meduim Enterprise (MSMEs). So-Cool is designed with the latest design thinking incorporating a steel endo-skeleton for a rigit structure. Each So-Cool unit comes with state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic systems with inbuild monitoring and control.
  • Mbamalu, Uzochukwu Maduabuchi (Manamuz Electric)
    We build, deploy, manage, and scale affordable, Renewable Energy Powered, and energy-efficient Cold storage solutions for african food producers. We create a steady demand for cold storage by small farms and businesses by providing access to markets for local producers, helping them improve productivity, and ensuring traceability to meet market requirements.
  • Osumune, Michael Obiajulu (Moon Innovations)
    Solar Smart Inverter System is a single box solar solution providing homes and businesses ith solar electricity, wifi internet access and AI-enabled security surveillance with a mobile applications to remotely monitor and control this system from anywhere.

A special element of Startup|Energy’s accelerator programme is the permanent support over a longer period of time. This also includes the peer-to-peer exchange between the startups, which is unique in this form and has already led to the first economic cooperations between them. As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, the startups continue to receive support from experienced entrepreneurs in building up their company and in the search for customers, partners and investors.

All nine startups will present themselves online at the International Demo Day on 28 April 2025, which is open to interested organisations, project partners, manufacturers, funders and investors. Registrations are possible from 08 April 2025 on the Startup|Energy website.

Startup|Energy is an initiative of the Stiftung Solarenergie and the University of Freiburg to promote startups in the field of decentralised energy technology in Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. Our activities are supported by GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in renewable energy, co-funded by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria.

From 17 to 19 March, seven energy startups from Nigeria met for the 5th Energy Camp in Lagos. The participants appreciate the approach of the Energy Camps. One participant formulated it this way: “The Energy Camp is one oft he best bootcamp I have ever come across, and it should be supported to reach more energy businesses, to create more sustainable solutions and impacts.”

Powering Tanzania’s Future: Chaja’s Bold Moves in Sustainable Mobility and Energy

Tanzania based startup Chaja Africa, a Fellow of Startup|Energy, provides accessible and sustainable energy solutions through power bank rental services. Read in this article from Co-Founder Norman Karamaga how Chaja Africa wants to significantly improve the affordability of its products for local customers by cooperating with a local bank.

At Chaja, we’re on a mission to drive a sustainable energy future in Tanzania. In our relentless pursuit to address the country’s energy and mobility challenges, we’ve recently achieved two major milestones that underscore our commitment to innovation and inclusivity.

Affordable Financing Through CRDB Bank

One of the biggest barriers to accessing sustainable energy solutions is affordability. Recognizing this, we’ve partnered with CRDB Bank, a leading financial institution in Tanzania, to offer affordable financing options to our end users. This groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to empower individuals and businesses to embrace clean energy and e-mobility solutions without financial strain.

Through this collaboration, customers can now access flexible loan packages to purchase Chaja’s energy storage systems, electric two-wheelers (E2Ws), and other innovative products. By reducing the upfront cost, we’re making it easier for Tanzanians to transition to green energy solutions while contributing to the country’s sustainability goals. Already, we’ve seen significant interest from small businesses, commuters, and enterprises eager to adopt cleaner technologies. This partnership is not just about financing—it’s about empowering our communities to be part of the green revolution.

Pivot to E2Ws and Charging Stations with Varchea

In a bold move to redefine urban mobility, Chaja has pivoted towards electric two-wheelers and charging infrastructure. This shift comes as part of our strategic partnership with Varchea, a pioneering Chinese company at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) technology. Together, we aim to transform how Tanzanians move, work, and live by offering efficient, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

The partnership with Varchea brings cutting-edge E2W technology to the Tanzanian market, tailored for both urban and peri-urban environments. These vehicles are designed to be cost-effective, durable, and perfectly suited to local needs. Complementing the E2Ws, we’re deploying an expansive network of charging stations powered by our innovative Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These stations will ensure that users have access to reliable and affordable charging, addressing concerns around range anxiety and infrastructure gaps.

This pivot is critical to our growth journey for several reasons:

  • Market Demand: With the growing demand for affordable, clean mobility solutions, our E2Ws address a significant gap in the market.
  • Environmental Impact: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, we’re actively contributing to Tanzania’s carbon reduction goals.
  • Economic Empowerment: These affordable and efficient vehicles create opportunities for entrepreneurs and daily commuters alike.

Why It Matters

These initiatives mark a turning point for Chaja. By combining financial accessibility with cutting-edge technology, we’re creating a holistic ecosystem that supports sustainable energy adoption. These achievements not only solidify our position as industry leaders but also pave the way for a greener, more inclusive future.

Our partners, CRDB Bank and Varchea, share our vision for a sustainable Tanzania. Together, we’re tackling the challenges of affordability, accessibility, and infrastructure head-on. The result? A cleaner, more connected Tanzania where innovation meets impact.

This is just the beginning. With every step forward, we’re reaffirming our commitment to empowering Tanzanians and transforming the nation’s energy and mobility landscape. Let’s power the future, together.

Tanzania based startup Chaja Africa, a Fellow of Startup|Energy, provides accessible and sustainable energy solutions through power bank rental services. Read in this article from Co-Founder Norman Karamaga how Chaja Africa wants to significantly improve the affordability of its products for local customers by cooperating with a local bank.

Revolutionising Street Food in Kenya: The Halisi Trolley

For street food vendors, the daily routine can be challenging: cooking at home, transporting food, keeping it warm for hours, and relying on charcoal, which is not only costly but also harmful to both the environment and their health. Enter the Halisi Trolley: an innovative solar and bioethanol-powered cooking solution that is transforming the entire street food industry.

Kenya’s E-Bike Revolution: How KIRI EV is Powering Change with Chinese Tech

An electric revolution is taking hold, and at its center is KIRI EV, a Nairobi-based startup leveraging Chinese technology to assemble affordable electric bikes tailored for the Kenyan market. Kiri EV also is a fellow of Startup|Energy.

Application open: Energy Camp 2025 for African Energy Startups

Startup|Energy invites innovative entrepreneur who are looking to transform the energy supply and livelihoods in SubSaharan Africa and are based in West or Central Africa to the Energy Camp 2025.

From 14 to 19 March 2025, the Energy Camp will take place in Lagos, bringing together up to 12 visionary founders. For an entire week, entrepreneurs will engage in an intensive programme that includes interactive training sessions, networking opportunities with other innovators and tailored workshops.

Here’s what awaits participants at the Energy Camp:

  • Customer-Focused Product Development: Discover how to refine your product to meet customer needs effectively.
  • Exploring Sales Channels: Identify and leverage the best sales channels for your business.
  • Building a Dynamic Team: Learn the best ways to put together and manage a powerful team.
  • Financial Planning Essentials: Get crucial insights into financial planning and management.
  • Pitching to Investors/Partners: Master the art of presenting your startup to investors and potential partners.
  • Funding Applications: Understand what funders look for in applications and proposals to increase your chances of success.
  • The Energy Camp will culminate in an international Demo Day (online), where you get the chance to pitch your solution to a global audience of investors, organisations, corporatives.

 

After the camp, startups will benefit from becoming a Fellow

The Energy Camp is not the end of the journey together! As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, startups continue to benefit from our support:

Tailored coaching: Thanks to the Energy Camp, we know the needs of each startup better. In tailored coaching sessions, we provide specific support for the further development of the startups.

Exclusive Expert Webinars: Fellows join exclusive webinars with industry experts who can offer invaluable advice.

Network Access: All Fellows gain continuous access to our extensive international network and the collective entrepreneurial knowledge of our coaches.

Check your eligibility – and then apply!
Closing date for applications: 05 January 2025

 

Five reasons to apply for the Energy Camp 2025:

  1. Proven Success: 80% of our Fellows generate revenue, and collectively, they have raised nearly USD 3 million in grants, loans, and equity and won 18 Awards. Join a program with a track record of tangible results.
  2. Practical Focus: Our Energy Camp is practice-oriented, not just theoretical. The training is tailored to the specific needs of African energy startups, ensuring you get relevant and actionable insights.
  3. Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our trainers and coaches, who are experienced entrepreneurs with deep knowledge of the African market. Receive hands-on support from those who understand your unique challenges.
  4. Valuable Connections: While we don’t offer cash rewards, we provide access to investors and the opportunity to present your startup to an international audience. Open doors to funding and global exposure.
  5. Peer-to-Peer-Learning: As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, you’ll gain excess to exclusive peer-to-peer learning sessions with other startup founders, where you can share insights, collaborate, and inspire each other.

More information…

Startup|Energy invites innovative entrepreneurs in renewable energy who are based in West or Central Africa to apply for the Energy Camp 2025 in Lagos.

Demo-Day: East African energy startups present their innovative business models

Don’t miss this opportunity to see nine African energy startups present their innovations and solutions for the energy market in sub-Saharan Africa! These dynamic companies are bringing fresh approaches to decentralised energy supply with their products and business ideas. Register for free!

4th Energy Camp of Startup|Energy with nine African energy startups

From 18 to 23 October, nine energy startups from four East African countries met for the 4th Energy Camp. They were selected from a total of almost 100 applications.

Startup|Energy supports young African energy startups, increases their visibility and promotes job creation and innovation in an energy market largely dominated by non-African companies.

An essential part of the work are the Energy Camps, which take place twice a year and last several days. The focus here is not on curriculum-orientated training, but on very specific and individual support in the development of a startup’s business idea. This concept is unique and clearly stands out from other accelerators.

The participants appreciate the approach of the Energy Camps. One participant formulated it this way: “I have participated in very high level accelerators and incubators yet the Energy Camp experience is exciting in a different way. It personalizes the experience and provides specific feedback that each startup in the cohort needs.”

These are the startups of the Energy Camp in Nairobi and their Innovations (in alphabetic order):

  • Biha Eco Venture (Uganda) produces solar rooftiles, made from recycled plastic waste for affordable, sustainable living.
  • Chaja Africa (Tanzania) provides accessible and sustainable energy solutions through power bank rental services.
  • Chanels Innovations (Rwanda) is transforming energy management in Sub-Saharan Africa by developing AI-ready, smart multichannel energy metering systems tailored for micro-utilities.
  • Kijani Testing (Kenya) is the first and only laboratory in Sub-Saharan Africa for certified product testing as well as field and market testing for manufacturers.
  • Moma Renewable Energy (Kenya) transforms organic waste rich in sugars or starches into bioethanol as an affordable and ecofriendly cooking solution.
  • Run Automations (Uganda) builds low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) devices that track, monitor and control PUE appliances and systems for assets dispatched by asset financing institutions and donors, to low-income customers.
  • SunWater (Kenya) installs solar-powered water ATMs in underserved communities to provide reliable access to clean, affordable drinking water.
  • YNA (Kenya) is a social enterprise dedicated to promoting sustainable e-mobility solutions by providing electric motorcycles for last-mile delivery.
  • Zeta Hub (Kenya) is a solar-powered internet hotspot connectivity project for rural and off-grid market areas to unlock the e-commerce potential of SMEs at affordable costs.

 

A particular highlight of the Energy Camp was the reality check during a field day: the visit to four startups in Nairobi and the discussion with the founders. They reported very impressively on the practical and everyday challenges of an African startup – especially those that are not taught in standard training programmes. The following Kenyan startup founders were visited: Tracy Kimathi, Baridi / Norah Magero, Drop Access / Dawson Mwangi, Pyro-degrade Energy / Francis Romano, Drivelectric.

Tracy Kimathi (Baridi) explains her business model to the participants of the Energy Camp at a market in Nairobi (© Stiftung Solarenergie)

***

A special element of Startup|Energy’s accelerator programme is the permanent support over a longer period of time. This also includes the peer-to-peer exchange between the startups, which is unique in this form and has already led to the first economic cooperations between them. As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, the startups continue to receive support from experienced entrepreneurs in building up their company and in the search for customers, partners and investors.

All nine startups will present themselves online at the International Demo Day on 27 November 2024, which is open to interested organisations, project partners, manufacturers, funders and investors. Registrations are possible from 01 November 2024 on the Startup|Energy website.

Startup|Energy is an initiative of the Stiftung Solarenergie and the University of Freiburg to promote startups in the field of decentralised energy technology in Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. Our activities are supported by GET.invest, a European programme that mobilises investment in renewable energy, co-funded by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria.

From 18 to 23 October, nine energy startups from four East African countries met for the 4th Energy Camp. They were selected from a total of almost 100 applications. Learn more about the Energy Camp and the participating startups.

Two fellows of Startup|Energy to receive funding from PREO

Drop Access (Kenya) and SLS Energy (Rwanda) are among the companies recognized in PREO’s new funding round for their groundbraking activities in the productive use sector. More than 240 applications meeting the call’s core criteria were submitted from 29 countries, equating to a total funding request 17 times greater than was available.

Meet the Winners of the Digital Energy Solutions Award

Access to clean energy remains a considerable challenge and a top govement priority in Kenya. Digital innovations become essential for optimization, monitoring, regulation and financing.

Startup|Energy has called on innovators and spin-offs from Kenyan universities to take part in the Award for Digital Innovations in Clean Energy. Applications were received from a total of nine Kenyan universities. The four finalists presented their ideas to an international jury in a pitch on 11 September 2024.

The jury:

  • Kenyatta University: Gathu Kirubi PhD
  • Mount Kenya University: Donatus Njoroge
  • University of Freiburg: Prof. Dr. Dirk Neumann
  • University of Nairobi: Prof. Mary Kinoti
  • Startup|Energy: Dr. Harald Schützeichel

After intensive discussion, the jury agreed on the three winners.

The winners:

  • 1st prize
    Taka Points (KCA University): Making technology for waste management by gamifying the waste management process
  • 2nd prize
    The Optimizer (Kenyatta University): Educational toolkit that employs a gamification approach using board games and a mobile application to create awareness about energy optimization techniques
  • 3rd prize
    Hydrobuddy (Kenyatta University): Smartphone application designed to bridge the gap between the potential of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and the city’s current market apprehension.

All prize winners together received prize money of a total of 450,000 KSH.

Congratulations to the three winners – and all the best for the further development of their innovative ideas!

With financial support from the State Parliament and the State Ministry Baden-Württemberg via the Foundation Development Co-operation Baden-Württemberg and the Stiftung Solarenergie.

                       

Startup|Energy has called on innovators and spin-offs from Kenyan universities to take part in the Award for Digital Innovations in Clean Energy . Applications were received from a total of nine Kenyan universities. The four finalists presented their ideas to an international jury in a pitch on 11 September 2024. The winners are…

Only 10 days left: Application open for Energy Camp 2024 of Startup|Energy

Startup|Energy invites innovative entrepreneur who are looking to transform the energy supply and livelihoods in SubSaharan Africa to the Energy Camp 2024.

From 18 to 23 October 2024, the Energy Camp will take place in Nairobi, bringing together up to 12 visionary founders. For an entire week, entrepreneurs will engage in an intensive programme that includes interactive training sessions, networking opportunities with other innovators and tailored workshops.

Here’s what awaits participants at the Energy Camp:

  • Customer-Focused Product Development: Discover how to refine your product to meet customer needs effectively.
  • Exploring Sales Channels: Identify and leverage the best sales channels for your business.
  • Building a Dynamic Team: Learn the best ways to put together and manage a powerful team.
  • Financial Planning Essentials: Get crucial insights into financial planning and management.
  • Pitching to Investors/Partners: Master the art of presenting your startup to investors and potential partners.
  • Funding Applications: Understand what funders look for in applications and proposals to increase your chances of success.
  • The Energy Camp will culminate in an international Demo Day (online), where you get the chance to pitch your solution to a global audience of investors, organisations, corporatives.

 

After the camp, startups will benefit from becoming a Fellow

The Energy Camp is not the end of the journey together! As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, startups continue to benefit from our support:

Tailored coaching: Thanks to the Energy Camp, we know the needs of each startup better. In tailored coaching sessions, we provide specific support for the further development of the startups.

Exclusive Expert Webinars: Fellows join exclusive webinars with industry experts who can offer invaluable advice.

Network Access: All Fellows gain continuous access to our extensive international network and the collective entrepreneurial knowledge of our coaches.

Check your eligibility – and then apply!
Closing date for applications: 28 August 2024

 

Five reasons to apply for the Energy Camp 2024:

  1. Proven Success: 80% of our Fellows generate revenue, and collectively, they have raised nearly USD 3 million in grants, loans, and equity and won 18 Awards. Join a program with a track record of tangible results.
  2. Practical Focus: Our Energy Camp is practice-oriented, not just theoretical. The training is tailored to the specific needs of African energy startups, ensuring you get relevant and actionable insights.
  3. Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our trainers and coaches, who are experienced entrepreneurs with deep knowledge of the African market. Receive hands-on support from those who understand your unique challenges.
  4. Valuable Connections: While we don’t offer cash rewards, we provide access to investors and the opportunity to present your startup to an international audience. Open doors to funding and global exposure.
  5. Peer-to-Peer-Learning: As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, you’ll gain excess to exclusive peer-to-peer learning sessions with other startup founders, where you can share insights, collaborate, and inspire each other.

More information…

Startup|Energy invites innovative entrepreneur who are looking to transform the energy supply and livelihoods in SubSaharan Africa to the Energy Camp 2024.

Application open: Energy Camp 2024 for African Energy Startups

Startup|Energy invites innovative entrepreneur who are looking to transform the energy supply and livelihoods in SubSaharan Africa to the Energy Camp 2024.

From 18 to 23 October 2024, the Energy Camp will take place in Nairobi, bringing together up to 12 visionary founders. For an entire week, entrepreneurs will engage in an intensive programme that includes interactive training sessions, networking opportunities with other innovators and tailored workshops.

Here’s what awaits participants at the Energy Camp:

  • Customer-Focused Product Development: Discover how to refine your product to meet customer needs effectively.
  • Exploring Sales Channels: Identify and leverage the best sales channels for your business.
  • Building a Dynamic Team: Learn the best ways to put together and manage a powerful team.
  • Financial Planning Essentials: Get crucial insights into financial planning and management.
  • Pitching to Investors/Partners: Master the art of presenting your startup to investors and potential partners.
  • Funding Applications: Understand what funders look for in applications and proposals to increase your chances of success.
  • The Energy Camp will culminate in an international Demo Day (online), where you get the chance to pitch your solution to a global audience of investors, organisations, corporatives.

 

After the camp, startups will benefit from becoming a Fellow

The Energy Camp is not the end of the journey together! As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, startups continue to benefit from our support:

Tailored coaching: Thanks to the Energy Camp, we know the needs of each startup better. In tailored coaching sessions, we provide specific support for the further development of the startups.

Exclusive Expert Webinars: Fellows join exclusive webinars with industry experts who can offer invaluable advice.

Network Access: All Fellows gain continuous access to our extensive international network and the collective entrepreneurial knowledge of our coaches.

Check your eligibility – and then apply!
Closing date for applications: 28 August 2024

 

Five reasons to apply for the Energy Camp 2024:

  1. Proven Success: 80% of our Fellows generate revenue, and collectively, they have raised nearly USD 3 million in grants, loans, and equity and won 18 Awards. Join a program with a track record of tangible results.
  2. Practical Focus: Our Energy Camp is practice-oriented, not just theoretical. The training is tailored to the specific needs of African energy startups, ensuring you get relevant and actionable insights.
  3. Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of our trainers and coaches, who are experienced entrepreneurs with deep knowledge of the African market. Receive hands-on support from those who understand your unique challenges.
  4. Valuable Connections: While we don’t offer cash rewards, we provide access to investors and the opportunity to present your startup to an international audience. Open doors to funding and global exposure.
  5. Peer-to-Peer-Learning: As a Fellow of Startup|Energy, you’ll gain excess to exclusive peer-to-peer learning sessions with other startup founders, where you can share insights, collaborate, and inspire each other.

More information…

Startup|Energy invites innovative entrepreneur who are looking to transform the energy supply and livelihoods in SubSaharan Africa to the Energy Camp 2024.

Six Prototypes from the Clean Energy Bootcamp in Nairobi

A solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system, a mobile biogas producer, clean stoves and plastic-to-fuel processes count among the inovations that emerged from the Startup|Energy Clean Energy Bootcamp in Nairobi. In all, 12 innovations underwent a round of refinement, three from teams at each of four universities.

GET.invest and Stiftung Solarenergie continue cooperation to promote African startups

Stiftung Solarenergie is excited to announce that the cooperation with GET.invest to promote African energy startups will be continued. Both organizations have already been supporting African energy startups since 2021 as part of the Startup|Energy initiative. This cooperation will now be extended.

Completion of the 1st cohort of the incubator programme to support Kenyan small businesses

In Kenya, the first course of the “Solar Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Program” (SEEP) was completed on 8 December 2023. The program aims to train and provide ongoing support to small and micro enterprises specializing in solar clean energy products and services. The SEEP project aims to train SMEs operating in the clean energy sector and support them in managing their businesses.

Two Fellows of Startup|Energy shortlisted for African Engineering Innovation Prize

In a celebration of engineering innovation in Africa, two Fellows of Startup|Energy – Christopher Maara and Léandre Berwa – are among 16 African engineering innovators shortlisted for the $60,000 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. The prize will be shared among four finalists to emerge from the longlist. Read more…

Clean Energy Bootcamp in Nairobi (2024)

The Startup|Energy initiative is offering a unique boot camp for clean energy innovators from selected universities in Uganda, Kenya and Germany: In April 2024, up to 12 innovators will meet in Nairobi to spend a week developing their CleanTech innovations in workshops.

These three universities are involved in the boot camp:

  • Germany: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg
  • Kenya: Kenyatta University, Nairobi, and  Mount Kenya University, Thika
  • Uganda: Makerere University Business School, Kampala

SME-Incubator Uganda: Two-day bootcamp for young company founders

The two-day bootcamp is part of the Freelance Incubator Program in Uganda with the aim of taking the practical experiences of freelancers, discussing them with each other and developing solutions. In addition, there is a targeted transfer of information that expands the knowledge of the participants.
The bootcamp consists of interactive sessions and discussions on business planning, successful business principles, marketing, financial planning, credit management, leadership and product demonstration. Solar microenterprise owners and their business coaches attended the event. Of the 9 participants, three were women.
The bootcamp was organised by our partner Sendea Academy Uganda.

Kenyan Solar Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Program (SEEP) launched

The program aims to train and provide ongoing support to small and micro enterprises specializing in solar clean energy products and services.
Led by Gathu Kirubi, director of the Kenyan Solar Energy Foundation and an experienced solar entrepreneur, 43 participants (17 of whom are women) receive basic entrepreneurial training at two training sites. They then receive hands-on support in running their solar microenterprise over a few weeks.

Read more here