FasterCapital today announced it has accepted Kampala School for Integrated Urban Planning (SIUP) into its EquityPilot program to support the school’s multidisciplinary work on nature-based urban design, sustainable materials research, and decentralized urban systems. The program will focus on translating early research and student-driven pilots into runnable demonstrations and community-facing projects.
FasterCapital and EquityPilot will concentrate on execution milestones for the first 30–60 days, prioritizing pilot design, stakeholder introductions, and operational planning to move Kampala SIUP’s prototypes from concept toward demonstrable pilots.
Why It Matters?
African cities are facing rapid urban growth, constrained infrastructure, and increasing environmental pressures. Kampala SIUP’s approach combining biomimicry, eco-architecture, and decentralized utilities aims to address these pressures by designing urban systems that reduce pollution, conserve resources, and strengthen local resilience. This work responds to a market pull for affordable, locally adapted sustainability solutions in rapidly urbanizing regions.
What the Startup Delivers?
Kampala SIUP develops cross-disciplinary curricula, research, and pilot projects that integrate STEM with urban planning. Priorities include biodegradable composites and carbon-capture building materials, membrane and off-grid utility demonstrations, green corridors, and urban food and waste circular systems. Projects are designed to be research-led and community-oriented, aiming to show replicable approaches for African cities.
Why Now?
Timing Shifts in technology, rising costs of centralized infrastructure, and growing local interest in sustainable urban solutions create an opening for applied demonstrations. Kampala SIUP’s combination of student innovation and applied labs positions the school to pilot feasible interventions that local governments, builders, and communities can evaluate.
What FasterCapital Will Provide?
– Hands-on execution support to translate research into pilot-ready projects and measurable milestones
– Fundraising readiness guidance and refinement of investor-facing materials (no funding guaranteed)
– Connections to industry mentors, technical partners, and regional stakeholders to validate pilots
– Guidance on go-to-market considerations and early operational planning
– Support for structuring pilot timelines and success criteria for community demonstrations
Program Plan (First 30–60 Days)
Execution Plan Initial work will include a detailed scope for one or more near-term pilots, selection of technical leads, and development of pilot budgets and timelines. FasterCapital and Kampala SIUP will map stakeholder engagement, prioritize community partners for demonstration sites, and refine technical specs for prototype materials and decentralized utility modules.
Leadership Comment
“Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Kampala School for Integrated Urban Planning (SIUP) through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’”
Next 90 Days
90-Day Outlook Over the coming three months team efforts will center on finalizing pilot designs, securing permissions for demonstration sites, and beginning prototype fabrication and small-scale testing. Progress updates and pilot learnings will be documented for stakeholders and used to plan follow-on phases.
About Kampala School for Integrated Urban Planning (SIUP):
Kampala SIUP is an applied research and education initiative focused on integrating nature-based design, STEM, and community-driven planning. The school develops curriculum and lab-based projects in eco-architecture, sustainable materials, decentralized utilities, and circular food-waste systems. Kampala SIUP aims to equip a new generation of planners, engineers, and designers with practical skills to pilot regenerative urban solutions.
About FasterCapital:
FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.
