LocationsDesigning Mobility, Restoring Dignity: Aline Nicole and the Journey of Geuza
January 27, 2026
When Aline Nicole, CEO and co-founder of Geuza, first visited the University Innovation Pod at the University of Rwanda, she expected a tour of high-tech engineering equipment. Instead, she found a community eager to support her vision of Geuza, a startup transforming electronic plastic waste into smart, affordable mobility aids - crutches, walkers, and prosthetics – designed to restore dignity, independence, and confidence for people living with disabilities.
Aline Nicole and the Geuza team testing materials to refine assistive mobility designs that prioritize comfort, durability, and dignity.
Through Unipod Rwanda, Nicole gained access to specialized equipment, including a shredding machine that allowed Geuza to process its own material for the first time. This impact was immediate. “It helped us refine our material processing and move much faster into the prototype phase,” she explains. With greater control over production, the team was able to test products with users, integrate feedback, and reach milestones earlier than anticipated.
Beyond technical support, UniPod became a platform for learning and leadership. Nicole was invited to innovation forums where she shared Geuza’s journey with aspiring student innovators. “We encouraged them to keep trying, to focus on solving real problems, and to believe that meaningful impact is possible when you stay committed to your mission,” she says. Reflecting on the experience, she describes UniPod as instrumental in her growth as a co-founder and innovator.
That support expanded further when Geuza joined the timbuktoo HealthTech Hub which Nicole first learned about the programme through the UniPod community, which encouraged her to apply. The experience proved transformative.
“We learned so much about our business model, value proposition, and customer journey,” she recalls.Applying tools such as the “five whys” helped the team better understand the root causes of customer pain points and sharpen their solution.
Aline Nicole with fellow founders from the timbuktoo cohort at the HealthTech Hub in Rwanda, advancing inclusive and locally driven health innovations.
The HealthTech Hub also strengthened Geuza’s operational readiness. “It helped me understand how to accelerate our production and operations so that our results become tangible,” Nicole explains. This foundation being essential as Geuza prepares to scale its model to other African countries.
Since joining timbuktoo, Geuza has also achieved major regulatory and product development milestones. The team finalized its product design, ensuring that every detail aligned with user needs and safety standards. Their work earned formal approval from the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority, granting Geuza a license to sell its devices under a Business-to-Business model. The Rwanda Standards Board further certified the quality of their functional assistive devices — a validation that marked Geuza’s transition from a promising prototype to a nationally approved, market-ready solution.
Equally important was the exposure to a regional innovation community. Engaging with fellows from across the continent, Nicole gained insights into regulatory systems, partnerships, and sustainable growth strategies. “It was eye-opening,” she says. “We learned how different countries operate and what it takes to move fast while remaining sustainable.”
timbuktoo’s support combined funding with expert mentorship. “The financial support mattered, but the strategic guidance was just as valuable,” Nicole notes. Through the Hub, Geuza connected to broader health-tech ecosystems and global platforms such as the Inclusive Fintech Forum, opening doors to new connections in the ecosystem.
Aline Nicole pitching Geuza at the HANGA Pitchfest 2024, where she secured second place for her work reimagining inclusive mobility solutions.
“Standing on that stage and seeing people resonate with our mission was deeply affirming. It showed me that Geuza’s vision matters.”Aline Nicole, CEO Geuza
What began as an idea rooted in environmental responsibility has grown into a scalable model for inclusive innovation. With support from UniPods and timbuktoo Hubs, Geuza is not only addressing mobility challenges, it is demonstrating how circular economy solutions can drive social inclusion and economic opportunity across Africa. Geuza’s work contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), reinforcing how locally driven innovation can deliver lasting development impact.