Nairobi, Kenya — July 2024
In a powerful push toward inclusive innovation, Innovate Now has announced the launch of its eighth cohort — continuing its mission to support and scale startups focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities through technology.
As Africa’s first dedicated assistive technology accelerator, Innovate Now is leading the charge in transforming disability innovation from a niche to a necessity, bringing together visionary founders, inclusive design experts, clinicians, and investors.
An Ecosystem Rooted in Impact
Operating from its base in Nairobi, the accelerator offers a structured, high-impact program to help founders refine their products, validate their solutions in real-world environments, and prepare for investment. Each cohort is handpicked through a rigorous selection process, focusing on early- to growth-stage startups with strong potential to scale both regionally and globally.
The current Cohort 8 reflects a shift toward digital assistive technologies — including mobile-based platforms, smart devices, AI-powered communication tools, and remote care solutions. The selected ventures aim to empower individuals with mobility challenges, hearing or visual impairments, and cognitive disabilities.
With mentorship from global experts and hands-on testing with real users, the accelerator helps each startup evolve into a clinically validated, market-ready solution.
A Platform for True Inclusion
Innovate Now’s strength lies not just in innovation — but in how it builds accessibility into the core of every product it accelerates. Startups in the program go beyond commercial metrics to deliver tools that change lives.
The program brings together:
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Product design labs where assistive tech is tested with actual users
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Business strategy coaching for African markets
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Legal and policy guidance for inclusive procurement and compliance
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Access to a growing investment network with interest in inclusive health and tech
Its alumni include startups building smart walking aids, speech-to-sign communication apps, disability-friendly sanitation tools, and digital learning platforms for neurodivergent youth.
Backed by Global Collaboration
This accelerator is supported by a coalition of impact-driven organizations, including innovation hubs, disability rights groups, and international development agencies. Its long-standing collaboration with partners in the UK and Nordic countries ensures that each cohort gets not just local traction, but global visibility.
Since 2019, Innovate Now has helped accelerate over 45 ventures across seven cohorts — many of which have gone on to secure funding, launch in new markets, or be acquired for further growth.
What’s Next: Demo Day and Beyond
The newly inducted cohort will culminate in a Demo Day, where startups will present their solutions to a panel of investors, donors, and ecosystem enablers. These showcase events have previously drawn the attention of inclusive design advocates, disability leaders, and tech investors from across Africa and Europe.
With each new cycle, Innovate Now cements its role as the engine driving Africa’s disability-tech renaissance — and as a beacon of inclusive, sustainable innovation.
Conclusion
Innovate Now isn’t just an accelerator — it’s a movement. A movement to place inclusive design at the heart of Africa’s tech future. With Cohort 8 now underway, the initiative continues to empower the innovators building a world where everyone — regardless of ability — has the tools to live independently, productively, and with dignity.
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