Submissions Open: Unlocking Innovation with a digital platform for start-up funding in Kenya
In partnership with the Frontier Technology Hub, the FCDO is exploring the development of an AI-driven digital platform to support startup growth and innovation in Kenya by addressing critical barriers to access funding.
To establish a strong foundation for this initiative, we seek an Independent Technical Expert (ITE) to provide insights and recommendations that will shape the platform’s design and deployment.
Deadline for applications: 31st December 2024, 08:00 GMT
‘Illustration generated using OpenAI's DALL·E’
Access to funding is a critical barrier for Kenyan startups, limiting their potential for growth and innovation. Startups face challenges from restricted information on available funding sources, complex application processes, investor hesitancy due to high perceived risk, and regulatory obstacles. This funding gap stifles entrepreneurship, hinders economic development, and reduces job creation in Kenya, where startups play a significant role in generating employment, especially for youth. To tackle these issues, an AI-driven digital platform is proposed to streamline funding access, offer tailored guidance, connect startups with investors, and facilitate peer learning. By aggregating data on funding, applying AI insights for matchmaking, and improving risk assessment, the platform aims to boost investor confidence, enhance startup growth, and ultimately foster a more resilient startup ecosystem in Kenya.
In partnership with the Frontier Technology Hub, the FCDO is exploring the development of an AI-driven digital platform to support startup growth and innovation in Kenya by addressing critical barriers to funding access. The pilot will build and refine a model that uses advanced AI technologies—such as machine learning, data aggregation, and networking algorithms—to provide startups with tailored guidance, risk assessments, and investor matchmaking capabilities. This will be build based on analyses of the specific needs of Kenyan startups, identifying barriers to platform adoption and gauging the attitudes of startups and investors toward AI-driven solutions.
The initial stage of this work requires an ITE to conduct research on the Kenyan startup-investor ecosystem to identify key challenges, pain points, and opportunities for both startups and investors. This includes understanding funding navigation, application processes, investor due diligence, and readiness for adopting AI-driven solutions. The ITE will also assess existing platforms to identify gaps and provide recommendations for designing a platform that balances AI capabilities with human connection. These insights will inform the development of a tailored AI-driven platform, aligning its features with user needs and guiding its design, deployment, and scalability.
We are seeking an independent technical expert/s for the following scope of work:
To apply for this opportunity, please submit a proposal by the 31st of December 08:00am GMT, to Frontiertechhub@dt-global.com (with ‘FT Hub - Call 9 – Unlocking Innovation: A digital platform for start-up funding’ in the subject line)
A written proposal including:
A short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and proposed approach to the scope of work (no more than 400 words).
A description of how you would approach the scope of work in no more than 8 pages including:
Proposed Research Activities
Proposed research timeframe
List of potential stakeholders for this pilot.
A short description of relevant work you have undertaken
Profiles/CVs of key team members that would be involved in the delivery of the scope of work, including details of any proposed partnerships or consortium collaborations.
A budget breakdown, including:
Fee rates for individuals that might be involved across the scope of work
Cost of technology that might be involved across the scope of work
Cost of all expenses and other items that might be involved across the scope of work (i.e. travel)
A signed Declaration of Non-Canvassing and Non-Collusive Tendering found in Appendix 1.
Please contact Frontiertechhub@DT-Global.com for further enquiries regarding this Terms of Reference or for further information on the Frontier Tech Hub. Deadline for enquiries is the 14th of December 08:00 am GMT. Title your enquiry ‘Enquiry: FT Hub - Call 9 – Unlocking Innovation: A digital platform for start-up funding’ in the subject line.