duration: 18-month catalytic support programme
funding: KES 5,000,000 (non-equity, milestone-based)
location: Africa (any African country)
host: Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI)
apply-url: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JqGhziuuIUKx0YPYZ3xqHoSPc-tTXcxPlosJpvxGdsxURVBRUkVPTTBVOUk5N1NURlFKNDBVRkRFMi4u&route=shorturl
18-month support programme funding African AI ventures building disability-inclusive solutions, with KES 5 million in non-equity investment.
Overview
The Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) is inviting African innovators, researchers, developers, startups, and organisations to apply for its 18-month catalytic support programme. The programme is designed to scale responsible AI solutions that advance disability inclusion across the African continent.
People with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing services, opportunities, and information — often because systems are not designed with accessibility in mind. AI presents a powerful opportunity to close this gap, but only when developed responsibly, with direct input from disability communities and grounded in inclusive design principles. HAIDI supports post-MVP AI innovations already in use that demonstrate clear potential to scale impact.
Programme Support
- KES 5,000,000 non-equity, milestone-based investment
- Hands-on technical support and coaching from disability and innovation experts
- Access to HAIDI's Live Lab network to test and validate solutions with disability communities
- Business model, go-to-market, and investor readiness support
- Strategic partnerships with funders, governments, health systems, employers, and education institutions
- Continental visibility through the HAIDI platform and the AI4D (AI for Development) ecosystem
Eligibility
- AI venture legally registered in any African country
- Post-MVP or market-ready: solution has been built, tested with real users, and shows evidence of traction
- AI or machine learning must be a core driver of the solution (not just an add-on feature)
- Clear focus on disability inclusion — the solution must benefit people with disabilities
- Willingness to co-design and iterate with disability communities throughout the programme
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official HAIDI form before July 17, 2026. The form requires a Microsoft account to access — log in or register at the application link above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to apply for the 18-month catalytic support programme?
The deadline to apply is July 17, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the official HAIDI form before this date. The form can be accessed via the provided link.
How much funding is available through the programme?
The programme offers KES 5,000,000 in non-equity, milestone-based funding. This investment is intended to support African AI ventures building disability-inclusive solutions.
Who is eligible to apply for the programme?
African innovators, researchers, developers, startups, and organisations are invited to apply. The programme is designed to support post-MVP AI innovations that demonstrate clear potential to scale impact.
What is required to access the application form?
A Microsoft account is required to access the application form. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can register for one at the application link provided.
What is the duration of the support programme?
The programme is an 18-month catalytic support programme. It is designed to scale responsible AI solutions that advance disability inclusion across the African continent.
Where can I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through the official HAIDI form, which can be accessed at the provided link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JqGhziuuIUKx0YPYZ3xqHoSPc-tTXcxPlosJpvxGdsxURVBRUkVPTTBVOUk5N1NURlFKNDBVRkRFMi4u&route=shorturl