Youth Innovators receive SHS 1.7 billion to boost national innovations

Driven by a mission to empower young innovators to transform their communities, the National i-UPSHIFT Youth Social Innovation Summit 2025 has awarded over 1.7 billion shillings in seed funding to youth-led solutions nationwide. This year’s summit marks the culmination of a transformative program that has equipped more than 1,200 young people with the skills and mentorship needed to turn bold ideas into real impact. From this dynamic cohort, 72 exceptional youth groups have been selected to receive Innovation Development Grants—valued at SHS 18.4 million, SHS 11.05 million, and SHS 7.37 million—in recognition of their outstanding social enterprise concepts that are already changing lives in their communities. Their innovations span education, health, technology, climate resilience, and social inclusion—showcasing what’s possible when young people are supported to lead.