The 4th Annual Nairobi Startup Summit & Awards
East Africa’s flagship platform for startups, investors, corporates and ecosystem builders shaping the future of innovation and inclusive growth.
Wed 29th – Thur 30th Apr, 2026
9:00AM - 05:00PM (EAT)
Nairobi, Kenya
About the Summit
The Nairobi Startup Summit and Awards is East Africa’s premier convening for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment collaboration. Now in its 4th year, the summit brings together startups, SMEs, investors, corporates, policymakers, ecosystem builders and media to showcase solutions, unlock capital and build scalable partnerships.
Over the past 3 years, the summit has catalyzed business growth, elevated startups to global platforms and facilitated multi-million-dollar partnerships. In 2026, the summit delivers an even more strategic agenda, featuring curated networking, investor-ready showcases, structured deal rooms and high-impact conversations across technology, sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
Why Attend
Access capital and investors
Gain scaling frameworks from industry leaders
Showcase your startup to regional and global stakeholders
Build high-value partnerships
Increase visibility through media and global exposure
Impressions
Delegates
Speakers
Investments
Sponsors
Strategic Objectives
Equip 3000 founders & SMEs with actionable frameworks for scaling
Facilitate $20M+ in investment opportunities by 2028
Showcase 150+ high-potential startups and SME innovators
Connect startups with mentors, corporates, investors and policymakers
Honour excellence through distinctive award categories
Strengthen Nairobi’s position as a leading African innovation hub
Target Audience
| Segment | Expected Attendance |
|---|---|
|
Startups, SMEs and ScaleUps |
2100+ |
|
Investors (Angels, VCs, Funds) |
200+ |
|
Tech Innovators & Developers |
300+ |
|
Government & Policymakers |
100+ |
|
Media & Influencers |
100+ |
|
Corporate Partners |
200+ |
Focus Areas
1
AI, Data & Future Technologies
Practical applications of AI, machine learning, blockchain, Web3, data analytic and emerging technologies driving business transformation.
2
Investor Readiness & Funding
Focused on investor panels and deal rooms, pitch clinics, due-diligence readiness, term sheet education and structured investor matchmaking.
3
ESG, Climate & Sustainability
How Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are shaping investment and enhancing climate, social inclusion & sustainability.
4
Creative Economy & Monetization
Unlocking global markets for creative ventures: Monetization, IP protection, platform economics, partnerships, funding and new tech for African talent.
Event Schedule
Day 1 - Wed, April 29th
| Time | Activities |
|---|---|
|
08:00am – 09:00am |
Registration & Admission |
|
09:00am – 11:30am |
Opening Remarks & Keynote Addresses |
|
11.30am – 01.00pm |
Hall 1: AI & Future Technologies |
|
11.30am – 01.00pm |
Hall 2: ESG, Climate Resilience & Responsible Enterprise |
|
01.00pm – 02.30pm |
Networking Break |
|
02.30pm – 05.00pm |
Hall 1: Creative Economy & Digital Monetization |
|
02.30pm – 05.00pm |
Hall 2: Bootcamp: Investment Readiness & Capital Access |
Day 2 - Thur, April 30th
| Time | Activities |
|---|---|
|
09:00am – 11:00am |
Opening Remarks & Keynote Addresses |
|
11:00am – 01:00pm |
Hall 1: Scaling with Bitcoin, Web3 and Cryptocurrency |
|
11:30am – 01:00pm |
Hall 2: Scaling Health Technologies with AI |
|
01:00pm – 02:30pm |
Networking Break |
|
02:30pm – 05:00pm |
Hall 1: Ecosystem Players Scaling Startups & SMEs |
|
02:30pm – 05:00pm |
Hall 2: Inclusive by Design: Building for All |
|
04:00pm – 06:00pm |
Closing Plenary & Awards Ceremony |
2025 Speakers
Rollan Heersink
Chair Christian Business Angels
Joram Mwinamo
Group CEO SNDBX INTERNATIONAL
Cliona Jordan
Startups at Google Cloud
Janet Machuka
Founder ATC DIgital Academy
Norah Magero
Founder & CEO Drop Access
Innocent Magothe
Founder Startinev
BennyHinn Walubengo
Founder Ispeak Society
Regina Kingori
CEO - RWK Africa
2025 Sponsors
