TotalEnergies has launched the fourth edition of its “Startupper of the Year” Challenge, following the success of the first three editions.
This 2024/2025 edition aims to support and reward young Kenyan entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who have a business creation project or a startup under three years old in any sector.
A local jury of experts, business leaders, startup ecosystem participants, local sustainability stakeholders, and representatives from TotalEnergies Kenya will select three winners.
This edition coincides with TotalEnergies’ centennial celebrations and will recognize 100 entrepreneurs from across the continent in three prize categories of Best entrepreneur, Best project related to the circular economy and Best project related to sustainable, affordable energy.
Additionally, an international jury will select four extra projects in the Power’Up category.
All entries will be evaluated based on their relevance to sustainable development challenges, innovation, feasibility and development potential, and respect for gender equality and inclusion of women in the project.
Winners in the three categories will each receive Kshs1,650,000, personalized support, and a communication campaign to enhance their project’s visibility.
They will also have the opportunity to promote their projects during a celebratory event, with details to be announced later.
“This new edition reaffirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting the socio-economic development of African countries in which the Company is present. The Challenge strengthens the social fabric in local communities by helping the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs carry out their projects,” said TotalEnergies Kenya MD Eric Fanchini.
Since its inception in 2015, the Startupper Challenge has produced, rewarded, and supported 365 winners from 40,000 applications worldwide.
In the 2021/2022 edition in Kenya, TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya recognized three young entrepreneurs: Nyaruai Muriithi (Nyungu Afrika), Paul Muhia (Zero-Emission Jua Ebikes), and Joseph Nguthiru (Hyapak).
