Grace Ashiru
Two Kenyan artificial intelligence startups, Neural Labs Africa and Me-Nasoma, have emerged as winners of the inaugural Meta AI Academy Kenya Pitchathon, securing a combined KSh 1.3 million in equity-free funding.
Each startup received $5,000, approximately KSh 645,000, alongside advertising credits from Meta to support the development and expansion of its technology solutions.
The competition was organised by Meta in partnership with This Is Digital to support Kenyan entrepreneurs developing AI-powered products that address challenges in key economic and social sectors.
The programme attracted more than 426 applications, from which 10 finalists were selected to present their innovations before the competition’s judges.
The shortlisted startups developed solutions covering healthcare, education, financial services, retail and legal technology.
Neural Labs Africa was recognised for NeuralSight, an AI-enabled tele-radiology platform designed to connect healthcare facilities with remote medical specialists.
The platform aims to improve access to diagnostic services by supporting medical image interpretation and reporting, including in healthcare facilities operating with limited internet connectivity.
Me-Nasoma, meanwhile, developed an accessibility-focused platform that converts written documents and web pages into audio content.
Its solution is accessible through mobile and web platforms, including a Chrome browser extension, enabling users to listen to written material.
The technology targets learners and individuals who experience difficulties accessing conventional text-based content.
Beyond the financial awards, both startups have been invited to present their solutions at Meta’s Regional AI Summit scheduled for November 24 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The opportunity will allow the entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a broader audience and potentially connect with technology industry stakeholders.
Meta’s Public Policy Manager for East and Horn of Africa, Sarah Muyonga, said the company’s partnerships with government and local ecosystem organisations are helping expand access to artificial intelligence skills, tools and opportunities in Kenya.
The initiative also provides mentorship and industry support intended to help participating startups transform their innovations into commercially viable products.
The pitchathon reflects growing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s artificial intelligence ecosystem by encouraging locally developed solutions to challenges in healthcare, education and other sectors.
For the winning startups, the next challenge will be converting their financial support and increased visibility into sustainable growth, wider adoption and measurable impact.
