KNA by Michael Omondi ..
Three Kenyan startups have bagged Sh.4.95M in the just-concluded fourth edition of the Total Energies Startupper of the Year Challenge following a rigorous judging and selection process by a jury.
The three are part of the 100 winners in the 32 countries that participated in the special edition organized on the occasion of the Company’s centenary celebrations according to a press statement sent to newsrooms.
The three local winners who were honored during an official prize-giving ceremony held in Nairobi include Victor Mwaura in the Innov’Up category for best entrepreneur with ‘Midas City’ that transforms metal into bespoke 3D art pieces and offers high-quality custom design products and services for businesses and individuals.
The second winner Lennox Ochieng emerged victorious in the Cycle’Up category for best circular economy project with ‘Ecobana Limited’ that manufactures biodegradable sanitary towels from banana fibers, addressing period poverty in Africa.
Lastly, Martin Lusasi was feted in the Power’Up category for best sustainable and affordable project with ‘Boder’ that facilitates electric bike purchases, offers a ride-hailing platform for eco-friendly two-wheelers with seamless rider-customer interactions.
Besides receiving Sh.1.65M each to help them develop their projects, these young entrepreneurs will also be given personalized support to develop their projects along with local visibility to boost awareness of their solutions.
1,296 Kenyan startups entered the challenge, with 15 finalists pitching their projects to a local panel of experts.
The Total Energies’ fourth edition of the Startupper of the Year Challenge saw 32 countries participate, 40 000 registrations submitted on the platform, and 14 000 completed applications.
