Kenyan Startups picked for Google’s AI accelerator program

Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, has selected Kenya’s Jacaranda Health and EIDU among 21 organisations to join the first Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI Cohort. The two organizations are the  beneficiaries from Africa .

The shortlisted organizations will have access to more than $20 million (Sh2.6 billion) in funding for their projects. The six-month programmeaims to support non-profits developing high-impact applications of generative AI.

EIDU employs generative AI for personalised tutoring services in low and middle-income countries through tailored digital learning exercises while Jacaranda Health leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) trained in African languages to expand digital health services to underserved mothers.

According to Google Africa head of communications and public affairs, Dorothy Ooko, the selected organisations will focus on areas like climate, economic opportunities, health, education, and crisis response.

In addition to technical training, workshops, mentors, and pro bono support from dedicated AI coaches; Google.org is also providing more than $20 million in funding across the projects.

“Generative AI can empower social impact teams to be more productive, creative, and effective in serving their communities,” said Ooko.

The announcement of Kenyan startups being selected for this prestigious program marks a significant milestone not only for the local entrepreneurial ecosystem but also for the broader African tech landscape. The inclusion of Kenyan startups in Google’s AI accelerator program also affirms Kenya’s reputation as the silicon savannah and a hub of technological innovation. With its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and a burgeoning tech scene, Kenya has been steadily making a name for itself as a hotspot for startups, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Other beneficiaries of this programme include, Benefits Data Trust, Beyond 12, CareerVillage, Climate Policy Radar, CodePath, FullFact, IDInsinght.Inc, Justicia Lab, Materiom, mRelief, Opportunity@work, Partnership to End Addiction, Quill.org, Tabiya, Tarjimly, U.S Digital Response and World Bank.