Imperial Unveils Global Accelerator for Top Startups
Imperial has launched a new accelerator programme for the world’s most promising startups.
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a dynamic six‑month programme dedicated to igniting and elevating high‑potential startups from low‑ and middle‑income Commonwealth countries. The entrepreneurs will be equipped to build thriving businesses, scale operations effectively, and drive job creation in their home countries.
The landmark initiative, developed by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) in partnership with Imperial Enterprise Lab and Imperial Global Ghana, has selected 20 startups from low- and middle-income Countries around the Commonwealth to take part. The startups include participants from India, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Cameroon and were chosen from more than 1,400 applications.
The programme kicked off with a two‑week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana which is followed by five months of online facilitation featuring expert‑led sessions, mentoring and business coaching. The startups will also benefit from access to a powerful global network to help overcome barriers and scale up their businesses.
Imperial was selected to host the Fellowship programme, which is supported by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and underscores the university’s commitment to global enterprise and innovation. There will be a second cohort for the programme starting in the Autumn.
Professor Kevin Ibeh, CSF Founder and CSC Commissioner said: “The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) programme is exactly what the challenging job situation across the Commonwealth demands. With several low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries experiencing the so-called youth bulge, high quality incubators and accelerators – multiple CSFs – would help transform abundant entrepreneurial energies into growth businesses, decent jobs, and inspirational role models. Imperial deserves plaudits for partnering with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission to deliver this impactful programme.”
Sarah Ranchev-Hale, Head of Imperial Enterprise Lab, said: “This exciting Fellowship programme will power some of the world’s most promising startups to the next level. These talented entrepreneurs will gain new skills and build formidable global networks so that they can rapidly expand their businesses and help drive economic growth in their regions and beyond.”
Clare Turner, Associate Director, Imperial Global Ghana, said: “These visionary innovators are bringing the ideas, energy and ingenuity to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Imperial Global Ghana is committed to championing and supporting hundreds of talented entrepreneurs by strengthening international networks and collaborations. We are leveraging Imperial’s global networks of alumni and partners to add value to this exciting Fellows programme.”
Nyifamu Ogechi Manzo, CEO Farmatrix Agro and Technology Company, a platform to connect farmers with buyers, said: “The Fellowship has been a game-changer for me as a founder. Through the program, I’ve gained the confidence and skills to engage in solid conversations and negotiations with investors as we fundraise.”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Sang’udi Emmanuel Sang’udi, founder of SarataniAI, a cancer screening AI startup, in Tanzania, remarked: “This fellowship means a lot to me—it’s an incredible opportunity for growth. I love the energy and open‑mindedness of the participants, and the mind‑buzzing sessions are packed with insights that will shape me into a better leader in business.”
Similarly, Sonko Jamal, founder of Kyuka Ventures, a social enterprise that recycles plastic waste, in Uganda, shared their experience: “Completing our leadership training with Natalie was an enlightening roller coaster of insight, laughter, and growth. Her perfect blend of wisdom and wit turned our challenges into punchlines and obstacles into stepping stones. Reflecting on this journey, we are inspired, more connected, and grateful for her unparalleled guidance.
The programme will culminate in an event in London, where participants will have the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors and industry leaders.
In addition to the intensive training and mentorship, teams are invited to apply for financial support from the Fellows Fund – a £35,000 pot of equity‑free grants funded by FCDO designed to help cover business costs, stimulate growth, and enhance job creation.
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/262693/imperial-launches-global-accelerator-worlds-most