H.E.R.O.

HARMONIC EURO-AFRICAN RAMP-UP ORBIT

Where African Ambition Meets European Opportunities

A free acceleration program for East African startups ready to rise, scale, and enter a permanent orbit of European investors, mentors, and partners.

About the program

Kenya is one of East Africa’s most vibrant startup ecosystems. Its founders are solving real problems – in fintech, agritech, digital health, clean energy, and beyond. What many of them lack is not talent, not ambition, and not ideas. It’s access: to capital, to networks, to a global stage. H.E.R.O. is built to change that.
Harmonic Euro-African Ramp-up Orbit (H.E.R.O.) is a free acceleration and internationalization program promoted by Harmonic Innovation Group – an Italian holding pioneering a human-centred model of growth known as “harmonic innovation” – and organized by BeEntrepreneurs APS, an Italian non-profit with nearly a decade of experience running bootcamps and international roadshows across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, Tanzania, and Morocco.
The name is a manifesto. Each word carries a precise meaning:

Harmonic: – Because we believe in balanced growth – where African innovation integrates synergistically with European know-how and infrastructure, creating value for both ecosystems.
Euro-African: – Because we are an Italian organization that acts as a privileged gateway to Europe – facilitating partnerships, investments, and market access for East African startups ready to go global.
Ramp-up: – Because we provide the tools for accelerated growth – with a sharp focus on internationalization, business model adaptation, and readiness for the Italian and European market.
Orbit: – Because this is not a linear program that ends after a few months. Entering H.E.R.O. means entering a permanent orbit of investors, mentors, and corporate partners in Italy and Europe.

H.E.R.O. takes selected founders through a full journey: a competitive open call, an intensive one-week bootcamp in Nairobi, a high-profile Demo Day at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador, and – for the 3 winning teams – a fully funded Italian Roadshow in November 2026.

This is your entry point. The orbit is permanent.

The topics

H.E.R.O. is looking for founders who are solving problems that matter – ideas with deep local roots and genuine global potential. The program is open to startups tackling challenges across a wide range of sectors, including but not limited to:

AgriTech

Smarter farming, food security, and sustainable agriculture

HealthTech

Accessible, affordable, and innovative healthcare solutions

Fintech

Financial inclusion and digital-first financial services

EdTech

Quality education and skills development at scale

Startup Africa Roadtrip -Sustainable Economy _ Mobility

CleanTech

Climate resilience, clean energy, and environmental impact

Blue Economy

Sustainable use of ocean and freshwater resources

Logistics

Supply chain innovation and port management efficiency

Tourism

Sustainable and technology-driven tourism experiences

AgriTech

Smarter farming, food security, and sustainable agriculture

HealthTech

Accessible, affordable, and innovative healthcare solutions

Fintech

Financial inclusion and digital-first financial services

EdTech

Quality education and skills development at scale

CleanTech

Climate resilience, clean energy, and environmental impact

Blue Economy

Sustainable use of ocean and freshwater resources

Logistics

Supply chain innovation and port management efficiency

Tourism

Sustainable and technology-driven tourism experiences

Benefit of Joining

Being selected for H.E.R.O. means more than oining an accelerator. It means entering a permanent orbit – a network designed to support your growth not just during the program, but long after it ends. Here’s what’s waiting for you:

Intensive Training: A full week of hands on workshops covering value proposition, business modelling, go-to-market strategy, fundraising, and investor storytelling. Every session is practical, actionable, and built around your stage of growth.
World-Class Mentorship: 1:1 sessions with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts from Kenya, Italy, and Europe. Mentors are selected for their sector expertise and their ability to work directly on what matters most for your startup.
Investor Access: Direct, structured exposure to local and international investors – through panels, informal networking, and a formal pitch at the Demo Day. These are not passive audiences; they are people actively looking for the next great East African startup.
A Stage Like No Other: The H.E.R.O. Demo Day is hosted at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador in Nairobi, including venture capitalists, institutional stakeholders, and ecosystem leaders. The venue itself sends a message: this program is serious, and so are you.
Your Pitch, Sharpened: Multiple pitch rehearsals and storytelling sessions throughout the bootcamp week, so you walk into Demo Day with a pitch that is clear, compelling, and entirely yours.
Entry into a Permanent Orbit: H.E.R.O. is not a program with an exit date. The connections you build – with investors, mentors, corporates, and fellow founders across the Harmonic Innovation Ecosystem – are designed to last.
The Italian Roadshow – For the 3 Winners: A fully funded 5-day trip to Italy – Catanzaro, Rome, Milan – with curated 1:1 meetings with VCs, angel investors, and corporate partners. Flights, hotels, meals, and a purpose built agenda: all covered. You bring the pitch.

Program Phases

1. Application

The gateway to H.E.R.O. The call is open from May 20, 2026 (official launch at GITEX Africa, Nairobi) through July 8, 2026. Tell us about your team, the problem you’re solving, your product, and your vision for scale. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis – don’t wait until the last day.

What You Need:

Pitch Deck (mandatory)
Business Plan (optional)

2. Selection

A dedicated selection committee – bringing together BeEntrepreneurs APS and Harmonic Innovation Group – will carefully review every application. We evaluate each startup on innovation, impact potential, team strength, and readiness for internationalization. The top 20 finalists will be selected to join the bootcamp in Nairobi. We may reach out for a short one- to-one call to get to know your team better.

Optional materials that strengthen your application:

Prototype or proof of concept (optional)
Visual explanations or demo video (optional)

3. Announcement

The 20 selected finalists will be officially notified by July 31, 2026, with all the practical information they need to prepare for Nairobi: logistics, agenda, what to bring, and what to expect. All other applicants will also be notified – we respect the effort it takes to apply and no one is left without a response.

4. Onboarding

Before the bootcamp begins, all 20 selected teams will join a dedicated virtual onboarding session. This is where the H.E.R.O. journey truly starts: you’ll meet the program team, connect with your fellow founders, receive the full bootcamp agenda, and have your last questions answered. It’s also your first chance to start building the relationships that will carry through the whole program – and beyond.

5. Bootcamp - Nairobi (August 3–7, 2026)

Five days of full immersion in Nairobi, designed to push your thinking, sharpen your execution, and connect you with the people who can make a real difference for your startup. The bootcamp is residential and completely free of charge for all 20 selected startups.

What to expect during the bootcamp week:

Training and Learning: Hands-on workshops covering value proposition, business modelling & sales, go-to-market strategy, fundraising & financials, and pitching. Sessions are practical, actionable, and calibrated to your startup’s stage.
Personalized Mentorship: 1:1 sessions with entrepreneurs, investors, and sector experts from Kenya, Italy, and Europe. Mentors work directly with you on the specific challenges your startup is facing – and on how to position it for the European market.
Investor Panels: Structured Q&A sessions and informal networking moments with local and international investors, designed to spark real conversations and build lasting relationships.
Pitch Rehearsals: Multiple rounds of pitch coaching and storytelling sessions, so you walk into Demo Day sharp, confident, and ready to own the room.
Community Building: The bootcamp is as much about the people you meet as the content you absorb. All H.E.R.O. participants enter the orbit – a permanent network of African founders, European investors, and ecosystem builders.
Professional Documentation: Photo and video coverage throughout the week to amplify your visibility and document your journey.

6. Demo Day - Italian Ambassador's Residence, Nairobi

The culminating moment of the bootcamp – and one of the most distinctive events in the East African startup calendar. A selected group of the top H.E.R.O. finalists pitch at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador in Nairobi, in front of venture capitalists, angel investors, corporate representatives, institutional stakeholders, and ecosystem leaders from Kenya and Italy. Each team has a defined pitch slot followed by a Q&A with the judges. At the end of the evening, the panel deliberates and officially announces the 3 H.E.R.O. winners – the teams that will go on to represent East African innovation on the European stage.

7. Italian Roadshow (November 2026) - For the 3 Winners

The reward for the best three teams: a fully funded 5-day trip to Italy, with stops in Catanzaro, Rome, and Milan. Every aspect of the trip – international flights, accommodation, meals, and logistics – is covered by the program. You focus entirely on the conversations.
The Roadshow agenda is purpose-built to open real doors in Europe:

Curated 1:1 meetings with Italian and European venture capitalists, angel investors, and corporate partners, matched to each startup’s sector and stage.
Public pitch events and innovation forums, giving each startup dedicated visibility in front of Italian and European audiences.
Access to the Harmonic Innovation Ecosystem and BeEntrepreneurs’ networks across Italy and Europe – the orbit, activated.
Visa support and travel assistance from the program team throughout the process.

Key Dates

April 21, 2026 Official H.E.R.O. Launch with Kenyan Delegation

May 20, 2026 Call for Startups Opens at GITEX Africa, Nairobi

July 8, 2026 Application Deadline – Call Closes

July 31, 2026 20 Finalists Selected and Notified

August 3–7, 2026 Residential Bootcamp in Nairobi

August 7, 2026 Demo Day at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence – 3 Winners Announced

November 2026 Italian Roadshow – Catanzaro, Rome, Milan

READY to enter
THE orbit?

The H.E.R.O. call is open.

This is your ramp-up.

apply now

Eligibility

H.E.R.O. is open to early-stage startups from across East Africa. To be eligible, you need to:

Be based or primarily operating in East Africa
Have an incorporated legal entity
Have a working product or validated prototype
Be pre-revenue or early-revenue – both are welcome
Have all team members over 18 years of age

Team diversity is a plus – we actively value it in our selection. Full eligibility details are in the Terms & Conditions below.

Download Terms and Conditions

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FAQs

Do I need to be based in Kenya to apply?

No. H.E.R.O. is open to startups across East Africa. That said, we give preference to teams with a meaningful local presence and a clear impact on their community. If you’re selected for the bootcamp, travel and accommodation costs to reach Nairobi are on you – we cover everything once you’re there: meals, materials, and all program activities.

What stage does my startup need to be at?

We welcome startups from ideation to pre-seed. What matters most is that you can articulate the problem you’re solving, show early traction or validation, and demonstrate a genuine readiness – or ambition – to scale into European markets. Don’t wait until you think you’re “ready” – apply now.

What's included in the program?

Everything inside H.E.R.O. is completely free: training, mentoring, meals during the bootcamp, and all program materials. If you’re traveling to Nairobi from outside the city, you’ll need to cover your own travel and accommodation. Visa support is available upon request.

Will I hear back if I'm not selected?

Yes. We notify every applicant. We typically receive hundreds of applications per edition, so responses come in waves – but you won’t be left in the dark. We appreciate every team that takes the time to apply.

What happens at the Demo Day?

A shortlisted group of the top H.E.R.O. finalists pitch at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence in Nairobi, in front of a panel of investors, corporates, and institutional stakeholders. The 3 winning teams are selected by the panel and officially announced at the end of the evening.

What does the Italian Roadshow include?

The 3 H.E.R.O. winners get a fully funded 5 day trip to Italy – flights, hotels, meals, and a curated agenda of 1:1 investor meetings, corporate introductions, and public pitch events across Catanzaro, Rome, and Milan. We handle the logistics; you focus on the conversations.

What does 'permanent orbit' mean in practice?

It means that your relationship with the H.E.R.O. ecosystem doesn’t end on the last day of the bootcamp. All H.E.R.O. alumni enter a network of African founders, European investors, mentors, and corporate partners actively curated by Harmonic Innovation Group and BeEntrepreneurs APS. Past participants have gone on to raise funding, build partnerships, and expand into new markets through connections made during and after the program.

Startup Africa Roadtrip - half round yellow

Why Harmonic Innovation Group & BeEntrepreneurs?

Most programs offer African startups a template built elsewhere and ask them to fit it.
H.E.R.O. is designed the other way around. Harmonic Innovation Group was founded on a conviction that most investors don’t start from: that sustainable growth can only happen when innovation is in harmony with human wellbeing, ethical purpose, and long term systemic value. “Harmonic innovation” is not a branding concept – it is a framework for building an ecosystem where research, capital, enterprise, and institutions work together rather than in parallel. Africa is central to this vision. Not as a market to be entered, but as a partner in building a genuinely global model of growth.
BeEntrepreneurs APS has been delivering startup programs across Africa since 2017 – six countries, 175+ startups accelerated, 500+ entrepreneurs trained, over €15 million raised by supported startups. BeEntrepreneurs doesn’t parachute into an ecosystem for a single event: it builds sustained, trust-based relationships with founders, hubs, and institutions on the ground. It is the operational spine of H.E.R.O.
Together, they have built a program that is free, international, grounded in a clear vision, and backed by real networks on both sides of the Mediterranean. H.E.R.O. is the bridge. The orbit is real.