R2C Accelerator (Research to Commercialisation)

R2C Accelerator

Supports Kenyan researchers and startups in transforming research outputs into commercial products through guided collaboration.

The R2C (Research to Commercialisation) Accelerator is a non-cash, capacity-building program delivered by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA) in partnership with ViKtoria Ventures and co-funded by RISA, the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa programme under the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The accelerator bridges the gap between research innovation and commercial viability by connecting researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs with industry partners, mentors, coaches, and investors over a structured 6–8 month programme. Two cohorts run per year — Cohort 1 from January through June and Cohort 2 from July through December. Cohort 3 was active as of mid-2026, with eight innovations across agriculture, biotech, waste management, and renewable energy in the current class.

The programme delivers three core pillars: an accelerator training curriculum covering commercialisation strategy, business model development, and investor readiness; a trainer-of-trainer curriculum building capacity in partner institutions; and female researcher capacity building through a partnership with the Mawazo Institute. There are no direct cash grants to R2C participants; the programme's value lies in structured mentorship, experiential training, and access to investor and industry networks. Participants who complete the R2C cohort may, however, enter the Presidential Innovation Award in the R2C category to compete for cash prizes of up to KES 5 million.

Applications are evaluated through a two-stage process: an online application and shortlisting round, followed by independent jury panel evaluation. The program targets researchers and entrepreneurs with research-based innovations that are ready for commercial development — concept-stage ideas without a defined research base are outside its scope. KENIA can be contacted at info@innovationagency.go.ke or +254-792 446 976 for current cohort timelines and eligibility questions.