TechMoran, a pioneer African technology and startup media company, has launched the StartupEast Conference & Awards, to discover a new generation of startups in East Africa.
The inaugural StartupEast Conference & Awards 2026 will take place on December 1, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, and is open to early-stage founders in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, Somalia, Somaliland and Burundi.
StartupEast is looking for startups in artificial intelligence, fintech, health technology, agritech, climate technology, enterprise software, commerce, logistics, mobility and education, among others.
Eligible startups must be based in or operating the above East Africa countries have raised less than $2 million, and be less than eight years old. Founders’ nationality does not determine eligibility.
StartupEast is particularly interested in startups with minimum viable products, customers, or initial market traction. Founders can nominate their own companies, while investors, customers, corporate leaders, ecosystem organizations and members of the wider technology community can nominate startups they believe should be discovered.
“StartupEast is about finding the founders and companies that are still early enough to surprise the market,” said Sam Wakoba, Co-Founder of TechMoran.
Ahead of the flagship conference, StartupEast will host monthly #TechNights, bringing founders, investors, technology leaders and ecosystem partners together for conversations, networking and deal-making.
The events will provide an ongoing platform to identify emerging startups, exchange ideas, and build relationships leading up to and beyond the December conference. Startup nominations are now open through TechMoran:
TechMoran StartupEast Nominations
The StartupEast Conference & Awards 2026 will take place on the 1st of December 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.