Empowering
women in tech
Powering the next generation of
women-tech businesses.
The Standard Chartered Women in Tech, Uganda programme is a 30-week, three-pillar initiative designed to produce measurable commercial outcomes for women-led, tech-enabled enterprises. Delivered by Innovation Village in partnership with Village Capital and funded by Standard Chartered Foundation, the programme is a three-year initiative aimed at building enterprises, sustaining communities, and unlocking markets for women-led entrepreneurs in Uganda.
The Programme
The Standard Chartered Women in Technology (WiT) Uganda Programme is a high-impact initiative designed to address the systemic barriers limiting women entrepreneurs in Uganda’s tech sector, including limited access to finance, capacity building, and mentorship.
Delivered by Innovation Village in partnership with Village Capital and funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation, the programme responds to the gender gap by focusing on three key areas:
Through business training, mentorship, and seed funding, Women in Tech Uganda supports women-led enterprises to scale, access opportunities, and contribute to inclusive economic growth, positioning the programme as both an accelerator and a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and long-term resilience.
Impact Driven
Empowering
Founders
The Three Pillar Model
The programme is anchored in a three-pillar model designed to create a seamless pathway from opportunity to growth for women-led tech enterprises. While each pillar has a distinct role, they function as an integrated ecosystem, strengthening businesses, expanding networks, and transforming potential into tangible commercial success.
Pillar 1:
The Community of Practice
The Community of Practice is a permanent, self-sustaining ecosystem that exists before, during, and after each Accelerator cycle.
Launched in 2026 after Cohort One, the CoP builds on a strong foundation of alumni, mentors, and a wide awareness base established in the previous cohort. The community brings together women founders, investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem actors across three tiers:
- Associates (open access)
- Members (active practitioners)
- Fellows (senior leaders and investors)
Pillar 2:
Women in Tech, Accelerator
The Women in Tech Accelerator is the programme’s core enterprise development engine. It supports up to 20 women-led, tech-enabled businesses with the skills, tools, and insights needed to scale through a competitive selection process, followed by a 12-week intensive Build Sprint. The curriculum focuses on:
By the end of the programme, 14–15 enterprises are expected to graduate as stronger, investment-ready businesses. The journey is powered by Village Capital’s VIRAL methodology and Abaca platform, ensuring tailored support and measurable impact.
Pillar 3:
Market Integration
Market Integration is where strategy meets execution. While the Accelerator equips entrepreneurs with the tools to go to market, this pillar ensures they actively do so. From Demo Day through to programme close, participating businesses are connected to:
This phase is designed to translate learning into tangible results enabling enterprises to secure partnerships, access markets, and scale sustainably.
Apply Now
We are looking for ambitious, impact-driven women founders ready to move beyond ideas and scale solutions that create real change. If you are transforming challenges into opportunities and are seeking partnerships that drive meaningful impact through technology, we want to hear from you.
What We Look For
Commercial Viability
You have a product, paying customers, and a clear understanding of your business economics.
Founder Ambition
You have a 12-month growth vision and the determination to achieve it.
Coachability
You welcome feedback, are eager to learn, and actively contribute to a community of high-performing founders.
Commitment to Job Creation
Your growth plan includes building a team and contributing to Uganda’s economy.
What We Offer
A comprehensive funding and support engine designed to catapult your enterprise into its next growth phase.
Catalytic Grant
For the top five enterprises (equity-free)
Technical Assistance
Fund tailored strictly to your needs
Mentors & Investors
Access to senior corporate leaders
Curated Pathway
To commercial agreements & investment
Lifetime Membership
In the Women in Tech Community of Practice
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all six of the following foundational requirements to be considered for the 2026 Accelerator.
Women Co-founder
Have at least one-woman co-founder who is fully engaged and working full-time in the business.
Team Size
Employ fewer than 10 people at the time of application.
Revenue Cap
Generate annual revenue below $100,000.
Location
Be legally incorporated, headquartered in, or have an operational presence in Uganda.
Tech-Enabled
Operate a tech-based or tech-enabled business where digital innovation is central to the model.
Market Validation
Be at the market validation stage, with a minimum viable product validated through revenue, user adoption, successful pilots, or confirmed strategic partnerships.
Cross-cutting
Criteria
Additionally, all applicants must meet these two crucial impact metrics.
Alignment with at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Demonstrated commitment to creating jobs, particularly for women and young people.
Roadmap 2026
Watch the timeline unfold as you trace the programme journey from initial application to graduation.
Applications Open
The official launch of the 2026 application portal for women founders.
Applications Open
The official launch of the 2026 application portal for women founders.
Applications Close
Final day to submit your enterprise details for review.
Applications Close
Final day to submit your enterprise details for review.
Selection Bootcamp
Shortlisted candidates pitch and interview with the panel.
Selection Bootcamp
Shortlisted candidates pitch and interview with the panel.
Cohort Unveiled
The final 20 women-led enterprises are officially announced.
Cohort Unveiled
The final 20 women-led enterprises are officially announced.
Programme Kick-off
The 12-week intensive Build Sprint officially begins.
Programme Kick-off
The 12-week intensive Build Sprint officially begins.
Demo Day
Founders showcase their growth to a room of key investors.
Demo Day
Founders showcase their growth to a room of key investors.
Graduation
Formal completion of the accelerator and induction to the community.
Graduation
Formal completion of the accelerator and induction to the community.