The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), together with UNDP Rwanda, organized Hanga Pitchfest 2022.

Hanga Pitchfest aims to provide a unique platform to showcase tech-entrepreneurs and creative talents from all over the country and promote the use of technology and innovation in the Rwandan market.

This year; Peace Ndoli with her project Lifesten Health is a digital health companion that qualifies to make simple changes in daily activities.

The competition was a 3-month long journey with almost over 400 start-ups applying to participate in the competition in September 2022. They shared a wide range of innovative solutions to today's global challenges. After a series of pitching events and workshops across the country, the entrepreneurs were guided by experts and coaches on how to package their solutions in order to attract funding for implementation and scaling.

The top 45 start-ups were then selected after which the 25 most innovations were shortlisted to head for a two-week bootcamp.

From the bootcamp, judges chose top 5 finalists who pitched to an excited audience at the BK Arena on 10^th December 2022.

All about prizes for the top 5 winners:

1. LIFESTEN HEALTH

Lifesten Health offers programs for incentive-based health and wellness, creating experiences that empower individuals to achieve their health goals in a fun, exciting and rewarding manner. Presented by co-founder, Peace Ndoli, the company won the US$ 50,000 Hanga Pitchfest grand cash prize; a Rwf 5 million contribution to their Ejo Heza long-term saving scheme account by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB); workspace and connectivity access, mentorship and coaching, and website development for 1 year from BK TecHouse and advisory services for capital raising and valuation from BK Capital.

2. PAYINGTONE

PayingTone is a digital micro-lending platform that provides Rwandans with access to essential goods and services on credit. The company won a US$ 20,000 cash prize and Rwf 2.5 million contribution for their Ejo Heza long term savings scheme account from RSSB. It was founded by Ignace Turatsinze, Brenda Munezero Uwase and Eddy Sheja.

3. SCHOOLNEST

SchoolNest is a digital platform that automates school processes and offers flexible learning to students. The start-up is also introducing SchoolNest Pay to drive cashless payments in Rwandan schools. They won US$ 15,000 and Rwf 2.5 million contribution for their Ejo Heza long term savings scheme account from RSSB. SchoolNest was founded by Karegeya Jean Marie Vianney.

4. MULIKA FARMS

Mulika Farms is building an application that will be connecting farmers to markets, reducing supply chain lead times and increasing value in the process. They won US$ 12,500. It was founded by Girihirwe Uwayo Herve and Leon Karekezi.

5. HUUZA QUEST

Huuza is a gaming start-up that promotes interactive learning of Rwandan and African history and culture. They won US$ 12,500. Huuza Games was founded by Marie Grace Iradukunda, Kamugisha Yuhi Joshua and Alfred Wanjau.

This year’s Hanga Pitchfest also saw one the top 25 companies, Vizion Bot recognized for their impact in improving the lives of communities, thanks to their digital walking stick for the visually impaired. They received the Community Impact Award from RSSB.

Rwanda National Police were recognized for their Road Safety Enforcement Cameras commonly known as Sofia, winning this year’s Hanga Public Innovation Award and Mobile Money Rwanda by MTN took the Corporate Innovation Award for their mobile money business.

Hanga Pitchfest 2022 also featured a technology exhibition including a robotics Lego League competition and electrifying performances from Rwandan artists and Djs who included Kivumbi King, Bukuru, Prudence D. Dube, and DJ Ira.

Speaking at the finale, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire shared a message by H.E President Paul Kagame to the startups.

"This journey you've started is the way of life for you now to imagine. To think of new ways that are needed and new ways that shape the society in a globalized world. Everyone of you has the possibility and potential to succeed to grow beyond what anyone has ever imagined."

Itzhak Fisher, the Board Chair, Rwanda Development Board noted:

“The purpose of this event is to create an ecosystem for Rwanda as the startup nation of Africa. By cultivating a startup mentality and helping entrepreneurs, Rwanda will become innovative in many areas like health, IT, retail and food."

On her part, Varsha Redkar Palepu, the Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP Rwanda said:

"Africa, and particularly Rwanda is thinking big on digital transformation. For Africa to produce more of what it consumes, we need digital technologies to unlock the new pathways for inclusive growth.”