A business incubator is a company that helps new and startup companies to develop by offering support through management training or office space. The training enables the startup to be successful. The training involves technological ideas, which helps investors, software designers, programmers, and young entrepreneurs to connect with each other. In Kenya, only a few concepts compel more anticipation and collaboration than a technological innovation. Here are 10 Kenyan business incubators you should know of:
- Nailab
Launched in 2011, Nailab is a business that focuses on providing the right ingredients that turns business ideas into viable start-ups. Entrepreneurs meet to develop and share ideas. Owned and founded by Sam Gichuru, Nailab has more than 40 companies, which have benefited from the six-month training program.
- iHub
iHub is an open platform for techies, tech companies and investors alike. A technological collaboration facility aims to bring together entrepreneurs, mobile software programmers, researchers, tech designers. It is not only a business incubator but also a vector for investors and open community.
- Chandaria business innovation and incubation centre
Located at Kenyatta University, the facility offers entrepreneurial training to students for a period of six to one year. This program ignites entrepreneurial culture among students. It therefore encourages them to join informal employment sector. The program is facilitated by Manu Chandaria foundation and youth enterprise development.
- Afrilab
Located along Kirinyaga Road in Nairobi, Afrilab business incubator offers support to African technology hubs. It does this by providing financing, mentorship, networking opportunities and other resources for high-potential entrepreneurs. AfriLab began as a consortium of independent African technology hubs with open innovation spaces. The centre was established in 2011 and works with university of Nairobi to enhance innovation with the objective of designing new products.
- Technology business incubator
It was established by Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute KIRDI in 2006. The incubator enhances technology transfer and dissemination of national findings. Technology Business Incubator supports entrepreneurs and startups technology based enterprise in developing, assimilating, absorbing and utilizing technology to hasten their development. It brings together all factors that build technological capability of technology receipt to facilitate the technology transfer.
- Business Incubation Association of Kenya
This membership organization supports micro, small and medium businesses. It also promotes advancement of entrepreneurship through business incubation. The association also provides partnership, sharing, and mentoring among stakeholders. Business Incubation Association of Kenya too enhances enterprises in rural and urban areas through workshops organized to champion and enhance business practices.
- Biz Africa
A Kenyan based incubator that seeks to provide a nurturing environment that enhances youth involvement in developing ICT solutions and business. Biz Africa provides access to facilities such space and incubation. They also offer financial support, mentorship, business coaching and opportunity to pitch business ideas.
- M-lab
M- Lab offers support to startups with mobile technology, especially on mobile applications. They select startups in a virtual incubation program, which become part of learning and networking community at the M-lab. The training takes 6 months and is through onsite and virtual programs services. They facilitate access to market and capital to the growth enterprise. It is Located at Bishop Magua Centre along Ngong road in Nairobi.
- Kenya Kountry Business Incubators
It is a private sector model business incubators that provide business initiative services to start ups and small business at affordable rates. They provide supportive business environment, capacity building, mentorship and improved success rates. The foundation focuses on offering entrepreneurial and business training to youths and women. Kenya Kountry Business Incubators was formed in 2004.
- Seven Seas Technologies Innovation Labs
Through its incubation program dubbed SST Kabla, Seven Seas Technologies incubates Kenyan talents to launch start-up business. Established in 1999 by the entrepreneur Mike Macharia, the organization provides support to budding tech founders. It is also among the providers of integrated business and technology solutions to customers, spanning the Healthcare, Homeland Security and Social Services spaces.
By Catherine Akuku
