2026 Challenge · Application Cancel

An MK-Africa programme, with Innovation Demo Day at Strathmore University.

Apply to the 2026 Challenge.

Open to African innovators aged 18–35. Applications close 30 November 2026. Take your time. There is a 200-word essay and a short video pitch.

You are applying for the Empowering Women through Innovation track. It is already selected in section 2, and you can change it there.

1 · Founder information

Full name

Date of birth (must be 18–35) Gender

Email address Country

Phone / WhatsApp, with country code Start with your country code, for example +254 for Kenya, so our WhatsApp and SMS updates reach you. Institution / university / town

2 · Venture & team

Venture name

Thematic track Venture stage

Target primary SDG

Are you applying as an individual or a team?

Your co-founders. We use their gender only to report how many young women take part in each track.

Is your venture formally registered? You do not need to be registered to apply. This tells us what support you may need later in the Challenge.

3 · Project pitch

Your 200-word essay In up to 200 words, cover: (1) the specific problem you are solving, (2) your proposed solution or technology, and (3) how the venture plans to generate revenue or sustain operations. 0 / 200 words Video pitch link A 2–3 minute video introducing you, your innovation prototype or concept, and its community impact. Put it on YouTube, Google Drive, Vimeo or TikTok and paste the link here. Set sharing to “Anyone with the link can view” so our reviewers can watch it (on YouTube, unlisted is fine).

Pitch deck or product photo (optional) Already have a 5 to 10 slide deck, a photo of your prototype or a one-page summary? Add it here. PDF or image, up to 10 MB. Or paste a link to it (optional)

4 · Last details & consent

How did you hear about us? I certify that I am between 18–35 years old and agree to provide official government ID verification if shortlisted. I confirm the information above is accurate, I accept the terms and conditions of the 2026 Challenge, and I agree that a #MyLittleBigThing account is created for me with this email address, so I can follow my application on my dashboard and receive emails about it. I consent to taking part in the programme and to #MyLittleBigThing featuring my innovation and likeness in promotional material.

Your answers are saved on this device as you type, so you can close this page and come back.

Apply to the 2026 Challenge.

1 · Founder information

2 · Venture & team

3 · Project pitch

4 · Last details & consent

Hi friend.
I'm Professor Mambo.

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