Kenyan entrepreneurs Amos Muthoni Kimani and Royford Mutegi have emerged as frontrunners for the prestigious 2024 Underdog Tech Award, a global accolade honoring impactful tech startups thriving outside major tech hubs. The competition’s diverse shortlist spotlights 20 ventures from various regions, showcasing the transformative potential of technology across sectors beyond the confines of Silicon Valley. Among the notable entries is Kimani’s TausiApp, an on-demand beauty service app that not only offers convenience and accessibility to clients but also empowers beauty professionals. On the other hand, Mutegi’s Vermi-Farm Initiative stands out for providing sustainable agri-tech solutions to smallholder farmers, thereby enhancing yields and market access.

The Underdog Tech Award, launched by the global mobility platform inDrive, seeks to recognize startups that overcome challenges such as limited resources and funding restrictions. The winners not only receive cash prizes but also benefit from training and PR support, fostering their growth and impact. The global shortlist features ventures addressing diverse challenges, including mental health platforms in Egypt and Chile and eco-friendly aquaculture in Indonesia. This diverse array of solutions underscores the award’s commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse tech landscape by acknowledging talent beyond traditional tech hubs. Ultimately, the program shines a spotlight on the power of tech innovation outside established ecosystems, celebrating ventures like TausiApp and Vermi-Farm Initiative that are making a tangible difference in their communities.