A computer science graduate, she actively helps young people create innovative technological solutions. She has received numerous awards and honors for her positive impact on Africa.

Clarisse Iribagiza (photo) is a Rwandan computer scientist and the co-founder of DeepTechAfrica, a venture studio and investment fund. 

Established in 2022, DeepTechAfrica was founded in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Legatum Center for Entrepreneurship and Development. It aims to develop inclusive and sustainable ecosystems focused on innovation. The organization focuses on the commercialization of research, provides consulting services, and offers educational programs. It primarily invests in deep tech startups in Africa.

Clarisse Iribagiza also serves on the board of the Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropy in East Africa, which supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem through grants and the incubation of targeted social enterprises. She is also a board member of the Africa Climate Foundation, an African strategic organization focusing on climate change and development. Additionally, she is part of the African Development Bank's Presidential Youth Advisory Group.

Before launching DeepTechAfrica, Clarisse Iribagiza founded the startup HeHe in 2010. HeHe leverages technology to create an efficient logistics service, connecting manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and end consumers, while providing access to a variety of on-demand goods and services.

She graduated from the College of Science and Technology at the University of Rwanda, earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering in 2011. She also holds a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from the African Leadership University’s School of Business, obtained in 2018.

Her influence and achievements have been widely recognized. She was named among Africa’s 20 most influential people at the continent’s business leaders summit in 2012. In 2013, she received the "Celebrating Young Rwandan Achievers" (CYRWA) award from the Imbuto Foundation. In 2015, Forbes named her among the most promising young African entrepreneurs under 30.

Melchior Koba