Hive Colab Startup Accelerator – Kampala Cohort

About this opportunity

Hive Colab offers structured mentorship, co-working space, investor connections, and up to $5,000 in non-equity grants to early-stage tech startups in Uganda. You must be Uganda-based, have a working team, and commit full-time for the duration.

Who can apply

• Ugandan-founded or Uganda-based startup
• Technology product or service at idea stage through early MVP
• Team of 2–5 members
• At least one technical co-founder (preferred)
• Founders based in Kampala or able to relocate there
• Willing to commit full-time to the programme duration

Not eligible

• Non-technology businesses or service-only models without a digital product
• Sole founders without a co-founder
• Established companies beyond early MVP stage
• Teams unable to relocate to or be present in Kampala

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Documents you will need

• Company registration documents or proof of business existence
• Pitch deck or one-page business summary
• Details of all co-founders (names, roles, backgrounds)
• Product demo, prototype, or documentation of current stage
• Evidence of problem validation or early user feedback (if available)
• Proof of Ugandan residency or incorporation
• CV or LinkedIn profiles for founding team

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How to apply, step by step

1. Visit the Hive Colab website or accelerator application portal
2. Complete the online application form with team details, product description, and your solution to a local market problem
3. Upload required documents and your pitch deck
4. Submit before the next cohort deadline (applications are typically rolling; confirm the current intake dates with Hive Colab)
5. Wait for notification of shortlisting or interview invitation
6. If shortlisted, attend an in-person or video interview with the selection panel

How applications are selected

What reviewers look for

• Show concrete evidence of a real problem—customer interviews, survey data, or early user sign-ups count more than assumed demand
• Highlight the technical skills in your team; Hive Colab prefers at least one founder with product, engineering, or data capability
• Explain why your solution matters to Uganda's market specifically, not just East Africa or Africa generally
• Demonstrate commitment: founders who are working on this full-time and have skin in the game (co-invested time, personal savings) are favoured
• Be clear on what stage you are at—a working prototype or MVP is stronger than a deck alone, but ideas with strong teams are still considered

Frequently asked questions

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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