WHAT IS ABIL INVEST
ABIL’s business acceleration track for market-oriented Earth Observation solutions.
ABIL Invest supports start-ups, SMEs, companies, and institutions developing Earth Observation-based products and services with clear commercial potential. It is designed to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and the market by providing financial, technical, and business support.
The track helps participants increase the maturity of their products or services, strengthen their business models, and address the key technical and commercial developments needed to reach market readiness. ABIL Invest also supports access to clients, private investors, and risk-capital opportunities, helping selected solutions move towards commercialisation and scale.
Invest is for you if…
SUPPORT PACKAGE
What you receive
Selected companies receive a 9-month sprint-based incubation programme including:
- Workspace, and co-working access at ABIL’s Nairobi facility
- Business coaching, mentoring, and 1:1 advisory sessions
- Structured sprint milestones covering Technology, Customer, Business, Funding, and Team readiness domains.
- Technical guidance on EO integration and data pipeline development
- Investor matchmaking with the ESA Investor Network and African venture funds
- Participation in Demo Days, networking events, and Africa–Europe investor sessions
- Support in preparing proposals for ESA Invest, InCubed, and complementary funding sources
- Post-incubation transition support
SPRINT STRUCTURE
The Sprint Programme
The incubation is structured around monthly sprints across two phases:
Innovation stage
indicatively 5–6 months
Problem/solution fit, business model canvas, value proposition, branding, MVP development, market validation, financial planning.
Progress stage
indicatively 3–4 months
Business model refinement, investor pitch preparation, partnership structuring, final demonstrators, readiness for scale-up.
Each sprint begins with a sync meeting between the incubatee and the ABIL support team, with defined milestones, payments tied to results, and continuous readiness-level tracking.
THE PROCESS
HOW IT WORKS
Detailed information on the scope, eligibility criteria, and specific conditions of each call will be published on this page at the time of launch.
CALLS ARE FINALLY OPEN!
READY TO APPLY?
Applications may be submitted at any time while the call remains open. All applications received by the following cut-off date will be considered in the 2026 evaluation round: 11 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EAT.
The programme is specifically designed for early-stage startup companies or SMEs with validated concepts that are ready to transition towards commercialisation, scale their operations, and engage with investors.
ABIL INVEST provides a structured incubation and venture-building pathway, combining targeted non-dilutive funding, hands-on technical and business support, access to EO data, expertise and infrastructure, and direct exposure to African and European investor networks.
The ABIL offers a comprehensive package of support to startups and SMEs selected for incubation, including office accommodation, incentive funding, technical support and business coaching. Selected companies will participate in a 9-month incubation programme, culminating in investor-facing opportunities such as pitch sessions, matchmaking events and Demo Day, where they will be connected with relevant private investors, industry partners and institutional stakeholders, including the possibility to benefit from the EU stakeholder network. The expected funding per company €20,000.
The ABIL hereby invites you to submit your application for business incubation.
Please download the Invest Open Call Package which includes the “1. Invest Call” document (explaining in detail who can apply, how to apply, the evaluation procedure and all the rules) and the following documents:
2. Draft Incubation Contract;
3. Cover Letter and Requirements Checklist;
4. Business Plan Template;
5. Incubation Proposal Template;
6. Tables Template.
Please read carefully all the instructions in the “Invest Call” document and submit your proposal by the cut-off date.
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