About the opportunity
Jasiri Talent Investor is a 13-month program designed to back battle-tested talent before their venture exists. The program bets on the individual pre-idea, pre-team, and pre-venture, providing founder-friendly capital, infrastructure, and guidance from venture formation to market validation. Cohort 9 focuses specifically on building in Food Systems. The program starts with Jasiri Jumpstart online for 1 month, followed by a 3-month Residential Intensive in Kigali, Rwanda, and up to 9 months of Venture Creation in Rwanda, Kenya, or Ethiopia. Selected fellows commit to pursuing entrepreneurship full-time.
Funding and benefits
- Jasiri Jumpstart (1 month online): USD 30 communication support.
- Residential Intensive (3 months in Kigali): Fully covered travel to and from Rwanda, accommodation, meals, transport, health insurance, and USD 250 per month living support.
- Market Validation Funds: Up to USD 3,000 per team for prototyping and testing.
- Venture Creation (up to 9 months in Kenya, Rwanda, or Ethiopia): Venture creation grant of USD 28,000 per venture, disbursed in three milestone-gated tranches.
- Hands-on venture builders, coaches, and vetted experts.
- Partner value and credits from AWS, Notion, Perplexity, and HubSpot, plus shared workspaces in Kigali, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa.
Who can apply?
- Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, or Ethiopia, living at home or in the diaspora.
- Depth in your field with years of hands-on work in software, hardware, science, data, finance, operations, or sales.
- Proof of having built before (a business, side venture, or hustle with customers and personal time/money invested).
- A record of achievement as a problem solver and value creator.
- Ready to pursue entrepreneurship full-time as a career without side engagements for the duration of the program.
- Able to relocate to Kigali for the 3-month Residential Intensive.
- Committed to building a new venture in food systems.
- Eager to co-found from scratch with peers and open to validating and pivoting ideas.
Required documents
- Application form responses detailing entrepreneurial experience, technical skillset, strengths, and track record.
- Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI) assessment.
- Psychometric assessment and a short video on 'Why Jasiri, and why now'.
When to apply
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Jasiri Jumpstart begins on 18 January 2027.
- Residential Intensive takes place from 17 February to 23 May 2027.
How to apply
- Stage 1: Complete the online application form presenting your entrepreneurial experience, technical skillset, strengths, and track record.
- Stage 2: Complete the Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI) assessment of founding intent and readiness to build.
- Stage 3: Complete the psychometric assessment and upload a short video on 'Why Jasiri, and why now'.
- Stage 4: Participate in the Selection Conference if you pass through, joining a live assessment working in groups.
- Stage 5: Complete an interview discussing your evidence and entrepreneurial history.
- Stage 6: Receive an offer to join Cohort 9 if selected.
Additional information
- All funds are disbursed in local currencies (Rwandan Francs, Kenyan Shillings, or Ethiopian Birr) using a predetermined annual exchange rate.
- Jasiri does not take equity in your venture; venture creation funding is grant-based.
- Pre-formed pairs are welcome to apply; each applies separately and is assessed independently on individual merit.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Experienced operators, engineers, scientists, and professionals looking to transition into full-time entrepreneurship.
- Individuals with a demonstrated history of side projects, hustles, or previous business ventures who want to build from scratch.
- Candidates passionate about tackling major challenges in food systems within East Africa regardless of prior sector-specific experience.
What should you think carefully about?
- You must be willing and able to commit full-time to the program, which includes relocating to Kigali, Rwanda for the three-month Residential Intensive.
- Progression is staged and gated; funding and advancement to later stages depend on meeting performance milestones rather than being guaranteed upon initial selection.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program is ideal for ambitious individuals who want to step away from traditional employment to launch a high-growth venture with structured financial backing and peer co-founders. It suits professionals aiming to build scalable solutions in East African food systems with institutional support rather than bootstrapping entirely alone.
Our take
Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia with a strong track record of building and executing who are ready to commit full-time to food systems entrepreneurship should seriously consider applying. Those unable to relocate for the residential phase or commit full-time should pass.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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