AT2030 innovator Brian Mwenda makes the Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact with his venture, Hope Tech
Brian Mwenda, Founder of Hope Tech, has joined the Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list in the Social Impact category. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional contribution of Brian and the Hope Tech team in advancing inclusive innovation for assistive technology (AT).
The Global Disability Innovation Hub’s (GDI Hub) AT2030 programme, funded by the British Government, supported Hope Tech in their early stages of innovation through our Innovate Now AT Accelerator in Kenya. Since then we've worked alongside Brian and his team across many collaborations, from innovative research and product development to programme-based activities.
Supporting early-stage innovation through Innovate Now
GDI Hub first engaged with Hope Tech in 2019 through the Innovate Now AT Accelerator, Africa’s first accelerator programme dedicated to assistive technology, delivered as part of the AT2030 programme. At the time, Hope Tech was developing Sixth Sense, a wearable mobility aid designed to enhance spatial awareness for people with visual impairments by providing real-time, context-specific navigation support.
As part of the Innovate Now cohort, Hope Tech received comprehensive support, including mentorship, business development assistance, user-centred design guidance, and connections to global AT markets. This accelerator model was developed to bridge the gap between local innovation and global scalability.
Ongoing collaboration and technical assistance
Following the Innovate Now programme, GDI Hub has continued to work closely with Hope Tech through a series of strategic collaborations. Global experts from our Academic Research Centre have provided input to help refine products and ensure alignment to global standards. We’ve also supported the Hope Tech team with investment guidance contributing to their successful $200,000+ angel funding round, making valuable connections to help accelerate market expansion.
Today, we’re proud to continue supporting their journey through Senese Hub, an initiative they’ve launched to empower other African tech innovators.
Significance of Forbes recognition
Brian Mwenda’s recognition in the Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list underscores the critical importance of local leadership in advancing global innovation. His success demonstrates that, with the right support structures in place, early-stage ventures can lead at the forefront of social impact and technological advancement.
This achievement reinforces GDI Hub’s strategic approach; combining capacity building, research, technical expertise, and ecosystem development, to scale innovation that improves lives. It also exemplifies the potential of the AT2030 programme, funded by the British Government and led by GDI Hub, to unlock new pathways for inclusive growth and equitable access to assistive technology.
Going forward
As Hope Tech prepares to scale its solution to reach over 5,000 users and expand across Europe and other LMICs, GDI Hub remains committed to supporting its growth.
Additionally, as we continue to build on the success of Innovate Now we recognise the ongoing need to identify, nurture, and elevate innovators who are driving inclusive change.
Brian Mwenda’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but a reflection of what is possible when inclusive innovation is supported and sustained.