The inaugural Hanga Pitchfest Startup competition was launched on 3^rd November 2021, attracting over 400 applications from innovators across the country.

Organized by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and the Rwanda Development Board, Hanga Pitchfest aims to provide a unique platform to showcase tech-entrepreneurs and creative talent from all over Rwanda and promote the widespread use of technology and innovation across all sectors.

Rwanda’s startup community illustrated its progressive innovation culture that is significantly contributing to the country’s vision to use technology to deliver services, with innovations ranging from artificial intelligence-based healthcare solutions to climate-friendly energy storage solutions. The objective for Hanga Pitchfest is to create a platform for startups to find the right investor for their ventures and equally for investors to find investors that fulfill their criteria. 

The top 45 startups presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges from 20^th to 22^nd November 2021. Twenty-five startups were then selected to proceed to the bootcamp stage organized in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, a pan-African innovation hub with presence in Rwanda.

Norbert Haguma, Country Manager of SPENN and one of the judges said, “Startups in Rwanda continue to illustrate growth by creating solutions for real life problems that are also accompanied by a business savvy model that has commercial viability. We are certain that some of the start-ups we engage in have real potential to scale and be successful soon.”

Speaking during the announcement of the top 25 startups, Paula Ingabire, the Minister of ICT and Innovation, said;

“Rwanda’s ambition to be a proof-of-concept hub, promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is exemplified by these 25 startups that brought an innovative and competitive spirit to the Hanga Pitchfest. This inaugural Hanga Pitchfest aims to catalyze innovative home-grown solutions that will expand across Africa. Through this competition, we will continue to support these innovators along their entrepreneurial journey; connecting them to investors, mentors and potential export markets.”

The bootcamp phase which started on 29^th November 2021 is an intensive two-week program that will prepare the selected startups for the final round of pitching and build their capacity in key areas such as, investment readiness, market penetration and customer growth.

Five startups will be selected from the bootcamp to pitch in the final round at the inaugural Hanga Pitchfest 2021, which will be held at the Kigali Arena on 11^th December 2021.  The competition will award the top start-up with $50,000. Four runner-up start-ups will also be awarded with $12,500 each.

The Chairman of the Rwanda Development Board, Mr. Itzhak Fisher, highlighted the importance of the initiative in building a robust innovation culture in Rwanda.

‘It has been extremely exciting to see the strong innovation potential that Rwanda’s young innovators have demonstrated throughout the competition. They have indeed risen to the challenge with new and creative technology solutions that are designed to respond to today’s global challenges. Through the Hanga Pitchfest, we hope to empower young innovators to bring their innovations successfully to market and transform their communities and country.’ he said.

The cash prizes will enable the startups to further develop their prototypes, support go-to-market strategies and increase capacity to scale. Additional business-enabling prizes, ranging from business development support to free internet connectivity for a one-year period, will also be awarded.

Hanga Pitchfest will also include exhibitions from technology companies, startups and support organizations as well as masterclasses and live performances. The event will bring together students from across the country, young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts and partners in Rwanda’s innovation and technology sector. 

Follow Hanga Pitchfest on social media handles as well as visit www.hangapitchfest.rw to stay updated on the competition.