Uganda, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, is also witnessing a rapidly evolving and diverse startup scene. The entrepreneurial drive in Uganda is flourishing, as demonstrated by the growing number of innovative startups carving out a niche in various industries. The Ugandan government's dedication to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is evident, establishing a strong framework for the development of technology hubs, startup incubators, and accelerators. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Uganda's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages, so you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN UGANDA
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Uganda
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Uganda:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Energy
Startup Energy is dedicated to enhancing the skills of founders, boosting the exposure of startups to investors, and facilitating knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs on practical business and management matters. By fostering a supportive network, the program enables African energy startups to implement pilot projects and cultivate a community of entrepreneurs who share similar aspirations.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Fintech, eHealth, Transport, Agriculture, Education
The Outbox Hub creates a nurturing space for startups, offering not only a physical workspace but also mentorship and training programs. Their focus is on empowering African entrepreneurs who are keen on harnessing technology. By forming partnerships, the Outbox Hub assists startups in securing funding, accessing markets, and establishing high-growth enterprises.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Impact & Green
Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator (UGEFA) operates with the goal to enhance the availability of financial resources for environmentally-friendly businesses. This is achieved through the facilitation of customized loans, direct support for business growth, and discussions and training program that develop of skills and expertise in sectors such as green manufacturing, clean energy, urban waste management, sustainable tourism, and sustainable mobility.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Business Incubator (REBi) program in Uganda assiss in the growth of indigenous renewable energy enterprises by offering sustainable energy business incubation, assistance services, and pilot initiatives. The program provides various services such as vocational skills training, provision of business development support, testing renewable energy technologies, and nurturing renewable energy startups.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Stanbic Business Incubator provides business development training, mentorship, and assistance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the goal of strengthening local SME capabilities, promoting business resilience, and preparing them for growth prospects. With customized programs, the incubator aids startups in obtaining financing, receiving training in operational skills, and accessing market opportunities.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
CURAD Incubator is a collaborative initiative between Makerere University, NUCAFE, and NARO, with the objective to provide opportunities for talented young individuals to transform their research and university innovations into viable business ventures. By supporting students, graduates, start-ups, and SMEs along specific value chains, the initiative facilitates the development and expansion of their business ideas.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Makerere Innovation & Incubation Centre specifically caters to businesses that have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a Working Prototype in different sectors and them provide assistance in launching their products in the market. This is achieved through business incubation, market research services, mentorship from industry experts, access to co-working space, a network of partners and investors, as well as a bootcamp for developing a Go-To-Market strategy, which enables quick product launch and customer acquisition.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Innovation Village is an inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurs that encourages creativity, assists new businesses, and facilitates access to funding and market prospects. The initiative provides a dynamic community of entrepreneurs, mentorship programs, global networking opportunities, and specialized initiatives that concentrate on areas such as Education Technology, Climate, Media, Financial Technology, and Agricultural Business.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
FinAfrica promotes creativity and business ventures by granting financial aid, technical guidance, and international collaborations to startups. Its main goal is to tackle the obstacles that startups encounter when seeking funding and competing in the market. This program offers startups the opportunity to enhance their skills, expand their network, and receive assistance in utilizing digital innovations to stimulate growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
TechBuzz Hub functions as a collaborative community that offers incubation and training programs for entrepreneurs and young professionals. It provides an extensive range of resources such as mentorship, skills training, and a diverse network; dedicated to converting innovative ideas into prosperous businesses and strives to create an environment that nurtures the success of startups.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Uganda
Full list of launch stage startup incubators and accelerators in Uganda:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Justice
The HiiL Justice Accelerator offers a 4-month program that grants startups with funding, workshops by industry specialists, a personal coach, connections with a global network of justice stakeholders, exposure on an international level, and potential investment prospects; all without requiring equity. The primary objective of this program is to encourage the development of creative solutions that address urgent justice issues like crime and gender-based violence.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Women in Technology Uganda (WITU) aims to empower young women and girls by providing them with digital education, technology skills, and entrepreneurship training, ultimately enabling them to secure gainful employment or start their own businesses. Through initiatives like the launch of Uganda's first maker space, WITU supports underserved communities by offering STEM teacher training, technology, and business/finance skills training, and fostering an environment where young women can innovate, learn collaboratively, and build solutions for their communities.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
The StartHub Africa Catalyzer offers a customized support system for tech startups in their early stages. Over a period of 2 years, the program provides access to investor networks, an investment by 4M UGX, expert guidance, and support with various aspects of business development, including registration and team building. The program supports startups in saving time, avoiding mistakes, and connecting with a community of fellow entrepreneurs, thereby providing an invaluable boost to their entrepreneurial journey
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
NSSF Hi-Innovator program in Uganda is aids small and emerging businesses through self-directed online learning, providing fundamental business knowledge, and offering seed funding that serves as a catalyst for growth. By participating in the program, entrepreneurs can benefit from seed funding that kickstarts their ventures, improve their competitiveness through technical assistance, access affordable capital, and gain foundational business knowledge from the Hi Innovator Academy.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The GrowthAfrica program in Uganda aims to assist promising African ventures and entrepreneurs in achieving substantial and long-lasting growth. This accelerator provides a comprehensive evaluation of startups' businesses, facilitates connections with mentors, networks, and valuable resources, and places significant emphasis on nurturing both personal and organizational leadership skills to prepare entrepreneurs for expanding their ventures.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, AI
Google for Startups Accelerator Africa offers support to startups in Africa, focused on empowering the next generation of African AI innovators. The program includes mentorship from Google teams, access to technical workshops, and opportunities for networking. The program spans three months and takes place virtually, providing participating startups with comprehensive resources and mentorship to develop successful ventures.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Uganda
Uganda's startup scene is promising, providing a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs from both local and international backgrounds to flourish. For those with a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to be part of this thrilling adventure, the Ugandan startup ecosystem offers abundant prospects for development, cooperation, and making positive societal impacts. By leveraging the assistance provided by startup incubators and accelerators, aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate their way towards success in this dynamic and constantly evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
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