Bernard Chiira

Bernard Chiira stands as a visionary trailblazer and thought leader at the helm of groundbreaking initiatives that are transforming the landscape of assistive technology and disability inclusion across the African continent. As the director and co-founder of the esteemed Global Disability Innovation Hub's Innovate Now project, he spearheads Africa's premier assistive technology accelerator program. The accelerator has supported 45 startups from across 11countries in Africa, the US and UK. Bernard has honed his expertise across diverse domains, encompassing innovation, entrepreneurship, assistive technology, disability inclusion, new venture development, and investment. His influence reverberates across continents, as he collaborates with prestigious partners and organizations spanning Africa, Europe, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. He is keynote speaker and master class facilitator across topics such as getting started in entrepreneurship, assistive technology, disability inclusion, and disability as a strength in business. Bernard Chiira's exemplary achievements have garnered global recognition. In 2020, he earned the distinction of being named among the top 100 most influential leaders in science and technology by Avance Media. His prowess in innovation and leadership also earned him the esteemed title of a 50 Most Fabulous Innovative Leader awardee at the World Innovation Congress. The year 2023 brought even greater accolades for Bernard, as he was bestowed the distinguished honor of becoming a Compassionate Circle Leader. His remarkable journey was further illuminated when Forbes featured him in their thought-provoking article, "Disability Tech as a Game Changer for 2023 and Beyond." At the core of Bernard Chiira's mission lies an unyielding passion to inspire, catalyze, and bridge the path to success for individuals, startup founders, organizations, and businesses, all while tirelessly working to build a more inclusive world. His educational foundation is as robust as his career achievements, boasting credentials that encompass business and information technology, mobile telecommunications, and innovation from Strathmore University. His knowledge extends to impact investing, acquired from the prestigious Maastricht School of Business, and to venture capital and new venture development, enriched by experiences at Stanford University and Strathmore Business School. Bernard Chiira is not only a visionary leader but also a dedicated advisor, actively shaping the course of impactful organizations and governmental initiatives. His commitment to driving change extends to his role on various boards and committees, where his insightful guidance is highly sought after. Among his esteemed advisory roles, Bernard serves on the Strathmore Academy for International Research Collaboration, Next Step Foundation, Pangea Trust, Kenya Innovation Agency, and the government of Kenya's interagency Disability Interagency Committee. In the realm of advisory and leadership, Bernard's influence knows no bounds, as he continues to contribute his expertise to institutions and initiatives dedicated to fostering innovation, inclusion, and progress. His unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive world shines through every facet of his work and commitment to these influential bodies. Bernard Chiira's illustrious journey extends beyond his remarkable career. He is a co-founder of the Inclusive Innovation Network (+N), a vibrant community comprising innovators, accelerators, and investors united by a shared commitment to amplifying technology's impact on disability inclusion. Furthermore, Bernard is an esteemed member of the Global Accessibility and Inclusion Leaders, an initiative spearheaded by Access Israel, with a global mandate to pave the way for accessibility and inclusion worldwide. His dedication to advancing innovation extends to his role as a former board secretary at Afrilabs, the continent's largest network of innovation hubs. In addition, Bernard's visionary leadership shines through as the co-founder and inaugural chairman of the Association of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK). ASSEK serves as Kenya's national network of innovation hubs, unwaveringly dedicated to fortifying the innovation and entrepreneurship support structure in the nation. Through these roles, Bernard Chiira exemplifies the spirit of a global change-maker, passionately driving technology, inclusion, and innovation both locally and internationally.