Bernard Chiira: Leadership Determined to Build Innovative Ecosystems that Positively Make a Difference in the Lives of People with Disabilities

Bernard Chiira is a startup and innovation ecosystem development expert and professional, working at the intersection of disability inclusion, assistive technology and social entrepreneurship. He is a thought leader and masterclass facilitator across diverse topics within his profession such as disability and business, assistive technology innovation, inclusive impact investing, inclusive innovation ecosystems, among others.    Over the last 9 years, Bernard has led some of the most successful incubators and accelerators in Africa. From 2014 to 2019, he led Strathmore University’s business incubator-@iBizAfrica to award- winning status while impacting 300+ Startups. He co-founded and was the first chairman for the Association of Startup and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) and served on the board of Afrilabs-Africa’s largest network of Innovation Hubs. After pushing boundaries in the mainstream tech and startup ecosystem, helping hundreds of startups navigate from idea to market, Bernard found a calling in disability innovation. In 2019 together with the Global Disability Innovation Hub, he co-founded Innovate Now.- Africa’s first assistive technology accelerator.    Bernard serves on boards and committees of various organizations and government agencies, such as Next Step Foundation, Pangea Trust, Kenya Innovation Agency (Startup Committee) and the Kenya Disability Inter-agency and Inclusive Data Charter Committee. He has led pre-investment and investment committees for various Startup funds including: Idea Foundation (Norway), Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator and GSMA Assistive Tech Fund. He was named amongst the top 100 most influential young Kenyans in 2019 and a 50 Most Fabulous Innovative Leaders awardee by the World Innovation Congress in 2020. In 2019, he also won the best youth employment strategy with iBizAfrica-Strathmore University, at the Diversity and Inclusion Awards in Kenya. In 2023 he received the Compassionate Leaders Award from Compassionate Leaders Circle, and was featured in Forbes.com as a pioneer in disability tech innovation in Africa. Bernard has a background in business and information technology from Strathmore University, and new venture development and venture capital from Stanford Centre Professional Development, Stanford University. Bernard enjoys playing chess and volunteering to causes he cares about.