Grant opportunity
KCIC Cleantech Innovation Competition 2026
KCIC, the Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya, SICPA and Strathmore University are inviting Kenyan students to submit early-stage cleantech innovations.
- Funder
- Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC)
- Applications close 10 August 2026
- Applications close 10 August 2026: Aug 10, 2026
- Award
- Accelerator support, mentorship, investor connections, skills training and access to potential funding opportunities
- Applicant
- University and higher education students in Kenya with early-stage cleantech ideas or technologies addressing environmental problems.
- Discipline
- Environment, Climate and Natural Resources
- Region
- Kenya
- Posted
- Jul 23, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The Cleantech Innovation Competition supports early-stage businesses and student innovations in cleantech sectors that address environmental and climate challenges in Kenya.
Who can apply
Applicants must be university or higher education students in Kenya, be at the ideation stage, and clearly demonstrate how the idea addresses an environmental problem.
What it supports
- Water, renewable energy, energy efficiency, agriculture, forestry and waste management.
- Commercially viable and scalable cleantech ideas.
- Solutions with climate mitigation, climate adaptation or wider environmental benefits.
Funding and duration
- The programme offers accelerator support, mentorship, skills training and network access.
- Participants can connect with investors and financing opportunities.
Applications close 10 August 2026
Applications close 10 August 2026: Aug 10, 2026
How to apply
Use the KCIC programme page and apply online by 10 August 2026. Applicants are expected to describe the problem, innovation, impact and progress to date.
Call details
Source-based overview
The Cleantech Innovation Competition is a joint initiative of KCIC, the Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya, SICPA and Strathmore University. It supports higher education students in Kenya who are developing innovative cleantech ideas and technologies that can address local environmental issues and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Eligibility
Applicants must be university or higher education students in Kenya, be at the ideation stage, and clearly demonstrate how the idea addresses an environmental problem.
Funding and benefits
The programme offers accelerator support, mentorship, skills training and network access.
Participants can connect with investors and financing opportunities.
Themes and supported activities
Water, renewable energy, energy efficiency, agriculture, forestry and waste management.
Commercially viable and scalable cleantech ideas.
Solutions with climate mitigation, climate adaptation or wider environmental benefits.
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 10 August 2026: Applications close 10 August 2026: Aug 10, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Use the KCIC programme page and apply online by 10 August 2026. Applicants are expected to describe the problem, innovation, impact and progress to date.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.