Kenya Opens Call For High-Impact AI Use Cases

Kenya is looking for AI projects that can solve real-world problems, with selected teams set to receive support ranging from computing resources and data preparation to technical assistance and responsible AI reviews.

The national call has been launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kenya, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy and the Technopolis Development Authority under the Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Programme.

Rather than limiting applications to finished products, the programme is accepting AI use cases at different stages, including challenges that could benefit from AI, early concepts, prototypes, pilots and existing solutions that are ready to scale.

Startups, innovators, universities, research institutions and public institutions can submit use cases for assessment. Applications will be evaluated based on whether AI is appropriate for the problem, potential impact, data and technical readiness, implementation requirements, as well as safety and governance considerations.

Selected projects may receive access to AI compute through the Technopolis Development Authority, help preparing and organising data, AI development support and technical assistance. The programme also offers talent development, responsible AI and assurance support, research partnerships and connections across the technology ecosystem.

For eligible startups, that support could extend beyond building the technology. The programme may connect selected companies with investors, potential buyers, industry partners and market opportunities.

“The future will belong to countries that do not just consume AI but build it,” said John Paul Okwiri, CEO of the Technopolis Development Authority. He said the programme is intended to give Kenyan innovators and researchers the infrastructure and partnerships needed to develop AI solutions for real-world challenges.

The initiative is also explicitly focused on locally relevant use cases, with the organisers looking for projects that can contribute to public-service delivery, research and innovation, environmental sustainability and economic development.

Applications are open until September 6, 2026.

Apply here: https://ai.konza.go.ke/