Kenya’s Top Science Startups of 2025

Who’s Building the Future of Health, Energy, and AI?

Kenya’s innovation ecosystem in 2025 is bursting with scientific ingenuity. From biotech breakthroughs and AI-powered health platforms to clean energy solutions and agritech disruptors, startups are transforming how Kenyans live, work, and thrive. Backed by government grants, global accelerators, and local ingenuity, these ventures are not only solving pressing challenges—they’re redefining Kenya’s role in the global science economy.

This article profiles the most promising science-driven startups across biotech, agritech, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.

1. Biotech Trailblazers

BIOSORRA

Founded: 2022 | Focus: Carbon removal fertilizer Transforms crop waste into biochar-based fertilizers that improve soil health and sequester carbon. Backed by the XPRIZE Foundation, BIOSORRA is helping farmers boost yields while fighting climate change.

Divine Mushroom Farms

Founded: 2024 | Focus: Climate-smart mushroom farming Uses low-cost biotechnology to grow mushrooms in insulated structures, independent of external climate. Based in Uasin Gishu, the startup is expanding into medicinal fungi and sustainable protein sources.

Actuate Biomedicine

Founded: 2023 | Focus: Blockchain for biomedical innovation A platform that helps African researchers translate tacit scientific knowledge into commercial products using Ethereum-based smart contracts.

Toothpick Company Ltd.

Founded: 2018 | Focus: Bioherbicide for Striga weed Developed a fungal-coated toothpick that kills Striga, a parasitic weed affecting over 40 million farms. The solution is safe, affordable, and gender-sensitive, benefiting women-led farms.

2. Agritech Innovators

Kimplanter Seedlings

Founder: Carolyn Mwangi | Focus: Climate-resilient seedlings Winner of the AYuTe NextGen 2025 competition, Kimplanter provides data-driven seedlings tailored to smallholder farmers. The startup is reshaping how farms adapt to erratic weather and soil conditions.

Agritechs Analytics

Founder: Maryanne Gichanga | Focus: Solar-powered farm sensors Developed mobile-connected sensors that detect pests, monitor soil health, and optimize irrigation. Already deployed in Kenya’s drylands, the system is helping farmers reduce losses and improve yields.

Smart Hive Device

Founder: Margaret Wanjiku | Focus: AI-powered beehive monitoring Uses sensors and machine learning to track hive health, combat colony collapse, and enhance pollination. The device is boosting crop productivity and biodiversity.

Hybrid Solar Dryers

Founder: James Nyamai | Focus: Post-harvest preservation Combines solar and biofuel energy to dry crops efficiently—even during rainy seasons. The dryers reduce spoilage and improve food security.

3. Clean Energy Disruptors

E-Safiri

Founder: Carol Ofafa | Focus: Electric mobility infrastructure Deploys solar-powered EV charging stations and battery swap points across Kenya. The startup is accelerating adoption of electric transport in peri-urban areas.

Community Kitchens Powered by Renewable Energy

Founder: Peter Njeri | Focus: Clean cooking from recycled plastic gas Innovative community kitchens use gas derived from upcycled plastic waste, reducing pollution and fuel costs.

HuskiPlast Solutions

Founded: 2025 | Focus: Biodegradable packaging Creates compostable food packaging from agricultural waste, tackling plastic pollution and supporting circular economies.

HyaPak

Founded: 2022 | Focus: Water hyacinth-based packaging Converts invasive aquatic weeds into biodegradable products that decompose within 3–6 months. Solves two environmental problems at once.

4. AI and Digital Health Pioneers

TERP 360

Founder: Elly Savatia | Focus: AI-powered sign language translation A wearable device that converts spoken words into real-time sign language, enhancing accessibility for the deaf community.

iZola.life

Founded: 2022 | Focus: AI for neurodivergent families Provides diagnostics and therapeutic tools for children with autism spectrum disorder. The platform simplifies access to care and supports pediatricians with screening tools.

Gro Intelligence

Focus: Agricultural data analytics Uses AI to model crop yields, climate risks, and food supply chains. The platform supports decision-making for farmers, governments, and global institutions.

Botlab Kenya

Focus: Conversational AI Develops chatbots and voice assistants for customer engagement, education, and public service delivery. The startup is part of Kenya’s growing AI ecosystem.

5. Funding and Ecosystem Support

Kenya’s science startups are thriving thanks to a robust support system:

  • Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation: Mentorship, funding, and global exposure for engineering-driven startups
  • AYuTe NextGen Challenge: Awards and training for youth-led agritech ventures
  • National Research Fund (NRF): Government grants for AI, biotech, and clean energy research
  • International Accelerators: Partnerships with Y Combinator, Seedstars, and Techstars fueling growth

Conclusion

Kenya’s top science startups in 2025 are not just building products—they’re building futures. By merging local knowledge with cutting-edge technology, these ventures are solving real problems in health, agriculture, energy, and accessibility. As funding grows and ecosystems mature, Kenya is fast becoming a continental leader in science-driven entrepreneurship.