From campus benches to winning $100K: Strettch set to reshape Rwanda’s educational future

In a boost to Rwanda’s growing prominence in the global tech ecosystem, Kigali-based technology startup, Strettch, has secured a USD100,000 (approximately RWF136 million) contract to develop a groundbreaking, cutting-edge and pioneering research and innovation portfolio for the Rwanda Polytechnic.

The project’s kick-off, on October 3, at the polytechnic’s campus in Kicukiro, marks a major milestone for the young startup and demonstrates how public-private partnerships with homegrown tech solutions can drive innovation in critical sectors.

The winning edge for the winning bid

Strettch, founded by five ambitious graduates of the Rwanda Coding Academy, emerged the winning bid from a fiercely competitive pool of over 70 startups in a bid to truly stretch technology and impact. With a comprehensive educational technology, their proposed platform will integrate artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency for both students and researchers on their academic, innovation and professional journeys, as also confirmed by Parfait Yongabo, Division Manager at Rwanda Polytechnic.

The contest, organized by the Ministry of ICT & Innovation and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), is part of the pilot of the Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) framework, aimed at bridging the solution procurement gap between public institutions and the fast-rising, local innovation ecosystem. PWC Rwanda serves as the Contract Manager overseeing the project on behalf of PWC Japan.

From campus dream to digital disruption

The story behind Strettch‘s success is one of determination and is as compelling as its vision – to author the world’s best software products that create endless opportunities for businesses and their customers. Born from their times and friendships at both the Rwanda Coding Academy and the African Leadership University (ALU), the five co-founders set out with a mission to offer consulting services.

The daring builders quickly expanded their portfolio to include software development and UI/UX design, driven by their philosophy: “You are capable of doing way more than what you think you can.” The team is now even gearing up to launch Strettch Innovation, a venture they believe will be “revolutionary, something the world has never seen.”

Being alumni of the prestigious Rwanda Coding Academy, SAUVÉ Jean-Luc (CEO), Clarance Liberiste Ntwari (CTO); Hirwa Blessing (Tech Lead); Samuel Dushimimana (Tech Lead); and Gustave Manzi (UI/UX Lead) all credit their alma mater for the success of their mission to engineer the future of digitalization globally today.

“Rwanda Coding Academy (RCA), raised us from our foundation and made us the outside-the-box-thinking innovators we are today, so we owe a big commitment to give back and serve beyond what is expected of us,” Jean-Luc, the 21-year-old co-founder and CEO reflects on their journey of humble beginnings. The special model high school incepted by the Government of Rwanda equipped them with various skills including cybersecurity, software engineering, embedded systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Stretching beyond code to craft digital experiences

With a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the dynamic needs of the African tech market, Strettch’s cutting-edge software development is rooted in its belief that “merely delivering is not enough.” 

“Instead, our devotion is entrenched in creating innovative products designed to establish a lasting reputation for businesses with our strategic tech consulting advantage,” says Clarance Liberiste Ntwari, the company’s CTO.

The startup boasts of an impressive portfolio including partnerships with leading organizations like Green Realtors, and now JICA, Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and the Ministry of ICT-Rwanda (MINICT).

New dawn for a tech giant in the making

Strettch‘s victory is more than just a win for the company; it represents a significant step forward for Africa’s tech ecosystem and Rwanda’s efforts to digitize and innovate its education sector.

The project is the second of four initiatives funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as Immaculate Mutesi, Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA, said this new procurement procedure policy will allow young startups to tender their solutions regardless of the experience they may lack.

Stretching towards a brighter future

With this big win under their belt, the company prepares to embark on developing this hard-won project with Rwanda Polytechnic while also setting their sights on greater heights by scaling their operations and impacts.

As the sun sets over Kigali, casting a golden glow on the city’s scenic skyline and hills, one thing is clear: as the young innovators at Strettch continue to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible, the future of African tech looks brighter than ever.

Strettch invites everyone interested in being potential partners to reach out via email at contact@strettch.com, promising expertise in tech consulting, cutting-edge UI/UX design, and innovative software solutions.