
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in collaboration with Circle Innovation has launched the highly anticipated first edition of TECHgrow in East Africa to support entrepreneurial teams with research-backed tech innovations focusing on future-relevant ideas with technology development, market validation, and training support to launch and grow their innovations in the market.
The call for applications is open for teams with tech ideas grounded in research, whether from academia or practical experience, even if they haven't formally registered their businesses yet. You can apply for the TECHgrow program in East Africa from 20.01. 2025 to 15.02. 2025. Selected teams will have an opportunity to receive global and regional tech development support, market validation support, and training to launch their innovations in the market.
What We are Looking for
We invite applications from innovators and researchers with research-backed innovations addressing GreenTech, HealthTech, BioTech, Food/AgriTech, e-mobility, and Circular Economy in East Africa. The program is open to innovative and future-relevant applications impacting society and the SDGs. We especially encourage applications from youth, women-led teams, and innovators from underserved populations based in East Africa.
Program Benefits
The TECHgrow program will offer a three-month tech development, business, and skills training to develop further and validate your research-based innovation and launch your innovation in the market. After the first phase, we will evaluate all innovations and select up to 5 innovation teams to get additional support and the opportunity to immerse themselves into the thriving technology entrepreneurship ecosystem in Germany by visiting KIT and other ecosystem partners in September / October 2025. Throughout the TECHgrow program, participants will be supported with hands-on coaching and expert mentorship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Research-backed idea or invention in the target sectors:
- GreenTech
- HealthTech
- BioTech
- Food / AgTech
- E-mobility
- Circular Economy
- Open towards Innovative and future-relevant applications | Impact for society and SDGs
- At least two team members based in either Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, or Somalia working on the idea
- Interest in transforming the idea into a venture
- Passion about disrupting their sector and contributing to sustainable development
- Be available for innovation program activities for the duration of the program, including in-person and online sessions
- Female entrepreneurs are specifically encouraged to apply
- Target countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Somalia
How it works
- Apply for the program via this link. Help us get to know your idea, your team, your vision, and passion, and tell us why your team should be chosen
- Join us for an interactive one-on-one assessment. We will invite shortlisted teams to connect with us for a one-on-one verification of your team and idea.
- Innovation program: Selected teams will participate in the TECHgrow Program.
- Immersion Visit: At the end of phase 1, you will pitch your validated prototype and business model to a panel of experts and get the opportunity to be selected for the immersion visit in phase 2 of the program
Selection procedure
Applications submitted through the TECHgrow platform are assessed using our robust evaluation framework and are reviewed by an expert panel consisting of members from KIT and Circle Innovation. We are particularly interested in high-potential research-backed ideas or interventions with a focus on disrupting the target areas.
We are looking for innovations that meet the following criteria:
- Founded in academic, industry-led, or experimental research
- Impact on strengthening regional sustainable development
- Feasibility and viability of implementing the idea
- Potential to achieve initial traction within the program
- Clarity of vision and the idea
- Team strength, experience, and commitment
Partners



