Twenty-five tech-enabled startups, spanning industries such as education, health, nutrition, WASH, climate action, financial inclusion, and youth employment, have been selected for the 5th cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab accelerator programme.
Participating startups will go through a structured curriculum of six venture-building modules, covering areas such as product development, business modelling, finance, marketing, and investor readiness. Each startup will receive a $5,000 equity-free grant, with an additional $10,000 awarded to three top-performing ventures.
The 25 selected startups include;
Arnson Innovate (AITK Robotics) delivers hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM) and robotics education to children aged 6–17, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and tech literacy, in the next generation of digital innovators.
Booksie is reimagining literacy through interactive learning tools that promote reading for pleasure. With a strong foundation in child-centred pedagogy, the platform blends in-person and digital instruction to enhance reading skills and academic outcomes.
Green Ecoworks transforms plastic waste into durable panels used for building furniture in schools and community centres.
NutriScan empower frontline workers with AI-enabled tools to detect malnutrition in young children.
WashKing builds smart biodigester toilets using a micro-leasing model. Through hygiene education and incentives, it improves access to sanitation for families, reducing health risks for children.
ERA AXIS introduces electronics, coding, and 3D design to underserved youth, turning them into creators and future entrepreneurs while promoting innovation in education.
MingoBlox delivers inclusive robotics and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to children aged 5–18 through hands-on learning and teacher engagement.
Greenearth Agro is a tech-enabled farming platform that promotes regenerative agriculture and AI-driven crop planning to enhance farm yields and rural incomes.
Crafted Climate leverages AI and IoT to provide air quality data to schools, communities, and policymakers. This data helps protect children from pollution while fostering environmental consciousness among young people.
Farmitecture builds vertical farming systems tailored for homes, schools, and youth centres and teaches users about nutrition and urban agriculture through practical, space-saving food production.
Mckingtorch Africa converts plastic waste into educational infrastructure while training youth in sustainable practices—creating green jobs and enhancing school environments.
Edu3Dcation Ghana pioneers the use of immersive 3D technologies in classrooms, offering creative and hands-on learning that nurtures innovation and digital literacy in students aged 7–15.
AutoEase Wheelchairs designs affordable, motorised wheelchairs that improve mobility for children and youth with physical disabilities.
Agricom Assurance utilises predictive AI to provide agricultural insurance that protects smallholder farmers from climate-related risks, thereby safeguarding their income, food availability, and child nutrition.
Sol Research Centre utilises drones and AI to map and restore degraded soils, thereby enhancing crop production and improving climate resilience, ultimately benefiting children’s nutrition in affected regions.
iKolilu is an AI-based school management platform that enhances administrative efficiency and improves student learning outcomes by streamlining communication among schools, parents, and teachers.
Verte Tower develops AI-powered vertical farms that optimise yields in small urban spaces, addressing food insecurity and supporting better nutrition for families and schools.
QKnow EdTech is transforming learning with its AI-driven exam prep tools that simulate test environments, which boost academic performance for students of all backgrounds.
Enabled Talent is an AI-powered platform that connects young people with disabilities to inclusive employment opportunities. Its smart matching and assistive features promote digital inclusion and economic empowerment.
LocaleNLP develops AI tools, such as speech-to-text and machine translation, for African languages to enhance learning and access to information for people in low-resource, multilingual regions.
DrDoGood connects rural families to healthcare specialists through a digital platform with AI-enhanced records and predictive analytics, closing the access gap for children’s health services.
Organized Khaos Studios develops culturally relevant educational games that promote storytelling, digital skills, and creative learning for African children aged 9–18.
Speso Technologies builds inclusive fintech tools that empower young people with financial literacy and access to payments, bridging the gap in youth-focused digital infrastructure.
TTYM Global improves access to maternal and adolescent health services through a mobile app and localised care points, ensuring young women receive consistent, informed, and respectful healthcare.
Tellmonifa is a mental health platform that connects young people to licensed therapists, self-help tools, and peer support, offering a safe, digital space for healing and mental resilience.
