- Pass mark 85%
- Art. 27(1)
Incubators
Support ideas and early teams with space, mentoring and training.
// Ministry of Innovation and Technology
StartupEthiopia
[ONE NATIONAL PLATFORM]
Startup designation, ecosystem builder registration and the regional STI and startup hubs, in one place.
Established under the Startup Proclamation No. 1396/2025 to recognise and support innovation-driven enterprises.
// About StartupET
One National Platform For Startups, Ecosystem Builders And Regional Hubs
Startup Designation
Startups apply online and are designated by the National Designation Committee.
Ecosystem Builders
Incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces and investors are registered.
Regional Hubs
Regional STI and startup hubs bring programs and space close to founders.
Certificate Verification
Anyone can check that a designation certificate is genuine.
Startup DesignationEcosystem BuildersRegional HubsI-ForumInnovation
// Why StartupET
One national process that recognises innovative startups, registers the builders who support them and connects founders to regional hubs.
Startups registered
0+
Growth stages
0
Early-Stage, Post-Early-Stage and Scalability and Exit, each with its own criteria under the Directive.
Regional STI and startup hubs bring training, space and events close to founders in every region.
Regional hubs
0
Early-Stage pass mark
0%
80% for Post-Early-Stage and 85% for Scalability and Exit.
// What We Offer
Three Services Designed To Grow Ethiopia's Startup Ecosystem
// How It Works
A Simple Process From Application To Certificate
3Growth stages
STEP 01
Apply Online
Create an account, fill in the application and upload your documents.
STEP 02
Pre-Review Check
The pre-review committee checks that the documents and details are complete.
STEP 03
Committee Decision
The National Designation Committee evaluates the application against the Directive.
STEP 04
Certificate Issued
Designated startups download their certificate, which anyone can verify online.
// Incentives
Read More Support For Designated Startups And Ecosystem Builders
The Startup Proclamation sets out these incentives. Designation is the first step to access them.
- 1GrantsDirect capital support to designated startups through the Startup Grant Program (Art. 23-25).
- 2Credit GuaranteeEasier access to lending through the National Credit Guarantee Fund (Art. 26-27).
- 3Fund of FundsA government and private sector fund that invests in startups (Art. 35).
- 4Tax IncentivesDividend income earned during the designation period is exempt from income tax (Art. 30).
- 5Duty-Free PrivilegeDuty-free import of capital goods for startups and ecosystem builders (Art. 33-34).
- 6Loss Carry ForwardLosses during the exemption period can be carried forward for three years (Art. 31-32).
- 7Regulatory SandboxTest new products and services under the Ministry's supervision (Art. 37).
// Designation Stages
Three Growth Stages, Clear Criteria
Each application is scored by the National Designation Committee against the criteria for its stage. The weights are points out of 100.
Which Stage Fits Your Startup?
Choose the stage that matches where your startup is today. Founders must together hold at least 25% of the shares at every stage.
Early-Stage
70%/pass mark
A real problem, a first solution and a founding team.
Valid for 2 years. Top criteria:
- Problem Identification 30
- Basic Prototype 15
- Funding Secured 15
- Solution Development 10
Post-Early-Stage
80%/pass mark
A product in the market, paying customers and early growth.
Valid for 4 years. Top criteria:
- PMF & User Demand 25
- Revenue & Economic Value 20
- Funding & Investment 20
- Team Expansion 20
Scalability and Exit
85%/pass mark
Proven growth, ready to scale nationally or abroad.
Valid for 2 years. Top criteria:
- Business Expansion 25
- Scale Funding 20
- Market Disruption 15
- Strategic Partnerships 15
// Regional Hubs
Regional STI Culture and Startup Hub: STI culture promotion, startup and innovation support, digital literacy and skills, research and community impact, and partnerships.
Ambo STI Culture & Startup Hub
Ambo, Oromia
Apply to this hub// Ecosystem Builders
Five Kinds Of Ecosystem Builders Supporting Startups
Builder
- Pass mark 85%
- Art. 27(2)
Accelerators
Run time-bound programs that help startups grow fast.
- Pass mark 85%
- Art. 27(3)
Co-working Spaces
Offer shared work space and services to founders.
- Pass mark 85%
- Art. 27(4)
Venture Capital
Invest in startups through a managed fund.
- Pass mark 85%
- Art. 27(5)
Angel Investors
Invest their own money in early-stage startups.
// Contact Us
Questions About Designation Or The Regional Hubs?
// Get In Touch
Send Us A Message
Ask about the application, the criteria, a certificate or a regional hub. Your email app opens with the message ready to send.
Office Address:
Email Address:
Designation Desk:
Online Services:
Open 24 hours, every day
// Guides
