MR. BERNARD CHIIRA

Bernard is the director of Global Disability Innovation Hub’s Innovate Now-Africa’s first assistive
technology accelerator program. His professional journey and experience span 9 years as an expert
across innovation, entrepreneurship, assistive technology, disability, new venture development &
investment. He has worked across diverse technology, innovation and entrepreneurship
development projects with partners and organizations across Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom,
and the United States of America.

He is a Co-founder and first chairman of the Association of Startup and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK), Co-founder of the Inclusive Innovation Network (+N) and founding Innovation fellow at Global Innovation Catalyst. He serves as a board member and advisor in various organizations including Government of Kenya’s Disability Inter-agency and Inclusive Data Charter Committee, Pangea Trust, and Kenya Innovation Agency.
Bernard’s academic background cuts across business and information technology, mobile
telecommunication and innovation (Strathmore University), impact investing (Maastricht School of
Business), venture capital and new venture development (Stanford Centre for Professional
Development & Strathmore Business School).

As leader in the African innovation ecosystem and a pioneer for assistive technology innovation and
entrepreneurship development in Africa, his passion is to inspire, catalyze and bridge success for
individuals, Startup founders, organizations, and businesses, in building a more inclusive world.