East African startups have two days left to apply for High 5s Startup Challenge

East African startups from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia have two days left to apply for the High 5s Startup Challenge.

Applications for the challenge — which is an initiative of The Nairobi Innovation Week (NIW) and the African Development Bank — will close on 23 February.

Only five startups will be selected for the High 5s Startup Challenge

Startups with an inclination towards energy production and distribution, sustainable food production, agri-business, industrialisation, mobility, and those that empower the community are encouraged to apply.

The top five selected startups will be awarded US$1000. In addition, they will also get travel costs to attend NIW 2018 (a round trip economy class ticket). Accommodation for those coming from outside Kenya will also be catered for.

To be eligible, innovators have to have a product or service that already has users or customers and must have gained market traction.

In addition, the startups must have a clear sustainable business and operational model.

Innovators will also be required to demonstrate the impact of their solutions as well as how their innovations address gender equality.