Strengthening the ecosystem’s support infrastructure, known as SKIES (Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem) is a sub-component under component 1 of the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP) funded by the World Bank Group and implemented by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), led by Spineberg and E4Impact as the Management Firm. The beneficiaries of this sub-component are divided into two tracks:
The project aims to benefit 20 beneficiaries for Track 1 and 16 beneficiaries for Track 2, along with 532 students who will receive scholarships for rapid tech skills training. We are committed to ensuring regional balancing to represent the diverse face of Kenya among our beneficiaries.
Benefits of the SKIES initiative
1. Grants for Incubators:
Performance-based grants for Incubators, Accelerators and Technology Bootcamp providers
2. Tech Skills:
Subsidized Tuition for Rapid Tech Skills Students
Funding for Phase 1
A total of $3.7 Million in performance-based grants will be given to chosen Accelerators and Incubators, while selected Tech Bootcamp providers are scheduled to receive $800,000. Students who are part of Rapid Tech Skills programs will experience reduced tuition costs amounting to $450,000. A similar funding amount is allocated for phase II.
Project Highlights - PHASE 1 (2023 - 2024)
• 10 Incubators & Accelerators
• 8 Tech Bootcamp Providers
• 267 Rapid Tech Skills Students
• Total amounts to be awarded to Phase 1 Beneficiaries: Incubators & Accelerators $3.7M; Tech Bootcamp Providers: $800,000 and Rapid Tech Skills students: $450,000.