Apply for Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) Cleantech Innovation Competition 2026 for Kenyan University Students

Application Deadline: August 10, 2026

About the Competition

Applications are now open for the 2026 Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) Cleantech Innovation Competition. The Cleantech Innovation Competition is a joint initiative by the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), the Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya, SICPA, and Strathmore University. It seeks to support early-stage businesses in the cleantech sector that focus on providing solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The competition will address key challenges that hinder cleantech technologies and related innovative business ideas from tapping into the immense potential in the cleantech sector.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be a university student in Kenya
• The application must be in the ideation stage
• The application must clearly demonstrate how it addresses an environmental problem

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria and scoring system will be used for evaluation of the eligible applications:

• Scalability – Does the innovation show a clear and compelling mission to grow a sustainable and commercially viable business?
• Climate Impact – The extent to which the proposed business, product, or technology has an impact on climate mitigation, climate adaptation, or environmental benefits
• Job Creation – The potential of the proposed business, product, or technology towards job creation
• Progress to Date – Has the applicant taken key steps to move the idea forward?
• Innovation – Is the business innovative in the way it addresses an identified problem in the market or does it have a unique business model?

Competition Benefits

• Accelerator Support: Business development and growth assistance
• Funding Access: Connect with investors and financing options
• Skills Training: Capacity building and mentorship
• Network Access: Connect with industry partners and peers

Application Procedure

1. All applications must be submitted online through the Kenya Climate Innovation Center website application portal
2. Applicants must complete an application form by answering a series of mandatory questions
3. Personal information supplied in the application form such as names, addresses, and date of birth should be verifiable, and the applicant is solely responsible for informing KCIC of changes in current contact methods indicated in their application
4. The applicant must provide current correspondence address, email, and telephone numbers and inform of any changes during the review and onboarding process
5. Upon submission of the application form, an email will be sent to the applicant or via the preferred contact method indicated in their application
6. Once submitted, applications cannot be altered or amended
7. Review of applications will commence immediately after client applications have been received in the system. Shortlisting of applicants will take place following the close of the application window

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply

Application Deadline: August 10, 2026

Why This Competition Matters

The cleantech sector offers immense potential to address pressing environmental challenges while creating jobs and driving sustainable economic growth. However, early-stage cleantech startups often face barriers in accessing funding, mentorship, and networks. The KCIC Cleantech Innovation Competition addresses these barriers by providing support to university students with innovative ideas that address environmental problems.

For Kenyan university students with early-stage cleantech ideas, this competition offers:

• Accelerator support and business development assistance
• Access to investors and financing options
• Skills training and mentorship
• Networking opportunities with industry partners and peers
• A platform to scale their innovative solutions

For More Information: Visit the Official Kenya Climate Innovation Center Page