Kenyan incubator Nailab has announced the five startups selected for its fifth cohort, to participate in the five-month programme ending in June.
Bitcoin purchase facilitator Byt allows users to buy bitcoins using local mobile money platforms, and offers guidance on where to use bitcoins purchased.
Tracopay is developing a near field communication (NFC) smart card to facilitate retail transactions, bill payments, money transfer and online payments; while ensuring security through biometric technology.
Service line is working to create a unified toll-free service line to access emergency services and businesses hotlines. The solution targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small and home office businesses, promising to improve customer relations.
The Ujirani mobile app aims to digitise Kenya’s “nyumba kumi” community policing initiative. The app connects neighbours within specific areas using a secure and controlled geomapped system, as well as providing a distress call option.
The fifth selected startup, Lipaplus, is developing a mobile point of sale (POS) system linked to Android devices, enabling smaller merchants to accept credit and debit card payments.
The fifth incubator cohort began the programme yesterday, January 12, and will participate in the programme until the end of June.
In addition to mentorship and assistance, participating startups receive funding of KES300,000 (US$3,288) and above.
The current intake is the third group incubated under the remit of a government-funded initiative awarded to Nailab in 2013. Under the US$1.6 million contract, Nailab is to incubate 30 startups by 2016, and assist in creating an incubation roadmap.
